Governor Otti Shocked by Deplorable ABSU Hostels, Promises Immediate Fix

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed deep shock and disappointment over the state of hostels and other facilities at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu. During an unannounced visit on Sunday, March 23, the governor apologized to students and vowed to take urgent action.

“Thank God I came; I couldn’t have believed it,” Otti said, visibly dismayed by the deteriorating conditions. Touring the ABSU Staff Primary School, the old Law Faculty building, and the proposed site for a new hostel, he described the situation as unacceptable.

Addressing a large crowd of students who gathered to see him, the governor did not hold back his frustration.

“I’m happy to see you, but I’m very unhappy with the state of the facilities. The conditions under which you live cannot allow you to do any academic work. For those of you who do well under these conditions, we must congratulate you.”

The Governor then announced that a 5,000-bed hostel would be built, with construction set to begin within a week.

“We have already completed the designs, and we are giving ourselves four months to deliver,” he assured the students.

While the new hostel is under construction, he directed the university management to make the current hostels more habitable. He also ordered the immediate demolition of the ABSU Staff Primary School, promising a new structure in its place.

Otti further mandated the construction of a functional cafeteria, giving the Vice Chancellor a three-month deadline to complete it. “I don’t want to see stoves, kettles, kerosene, and those kinds of things in the rooms,” he emphasized, citing safety and hygiene concerns.

The governor also revealed that plans were in motion to relocate the Faculties of Law and Agriculture back to Uturu, ensuring all students are on the same campus.

“We are bringing back these faculties, and all necessary facilities will be put in place. Power, potable water, and other essential amenities should not be a luxury—they will be provided,” he pledged.

Apologizing on behalf of the government, Otti reassured the students of his administration’s commitment to improving their learning environment.

“Government is a continuum, and though we didn’t create this problem, we will fix it. Your patience is appreciated, and change is coming.”

The governor was accompanied on the visit by top government officials, including the Mayor of Isuikwuato, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, and his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba.