Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, has officially welcomed Professor Amadike E. Ugbogu as its ninth substantive Vice-Chancellor following the formal transfer of authority from his predecessor, Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo.
The transition was completed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during a welcoming ceremony where the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Agwu U. Agwu, formally presented Ugbogu to members of the university community.
Speaking at the event, Agwu described Ugbogu’s appointment as the outcome of a transparent and merit-based selection process. He explained that the Governing Council carried out its statutory responsibilities in line with Section 12(1), (2) and (3) of the university law.
He congratulated the new Vice-Chancellor and urged him to demonstrate commitment, accountability and effective teamwork in advancing the vision of the university’s Visitor, Governor Alex Otti, and its founding fathers.
Agwu also appealed to the university management, Senate, academic and non-academic staff, as well as students, to give the new Vice-Chancellor the necessary support to achieve his objectives.
He appreciated Governor Otti for his continued support for the institution and assured him of the university’s commitment to cooperating with his administration.
At the ceremony, the Governing Council also announced the appointment of three principal officers to strengthen the university’s administrative structure.
The newly appointed officers are Mr Ojo Ezichi Obasi as Registrar, Mr Emeremadu Mark Amaefule as Bursar and Professor Samuel Ibenne as University Librarian.
In his acceptance speech, Ugbogu expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for considering him worthy of the appointment, describing his new responsibility as a call to greater service.
He promised to provide purposeful leadership guided by integrity, accountability and a commitment to delivering measurable results.
Outlining his vision for the university, the new Vice-Chancellor said his administration would work towards transforming ABSU into an internationally recognised institution through academic excellence, innovation, research and financial sustainability.
He added that his priorities would include producing competent graduates, advancing knowledge through research and strengthening the university’s contributions to national development and society.
Ugbogu also assured members of the university community that his administration would not tolerate nepotism, tribalism, discrimination or preferential treatment in the discharge of official responsibilities.
He called on members of staff to remain dedicated to their duties and contribute meaningfully to the institution’s growth, while urging students to take their academic responsibilities seriously.
The new Vice-Chancellor further appealed to the university’s alumni and friends to reconnect with the institution and support its development through meaningful contributions.
The outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Okeudo, congratulated Ugbogu and commended his contributions to the achievements recorded during his administration.
Okeudo described his successor as the “first among the best” and expressed confidence in his ability to build on the progress already made at the university. He also thanked Governor Otti for appointing his successor.
In their separate goodwill messages, members of the Governing Council, Sir Idris Korform Wabara and Professor David Chikezie, alongside the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), ABSU Branch, Dr Chidi Mbah, congratulated Ugbogu.
They wished him wisdom, strength and divine guidance as he begins his tenure as the university’s ninth substantive Vice-Chancellor.
The ceremony ended with the formal handover of the mantle of authority from Professor Okeudo to Professor Ugbogu, officially marking the beginning of a new administration at Abia State University.
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