The Abia State Executive Council has set up a 5-man Special Investigative Committee to look into the recent allegations of harassment and extortion amongst Abia State University students and lecturers.
The Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu announced this on Monday, at Government House Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
He said that the committee was set up in the bid to ensure the highest level of academic and ethical standards in the state’s own tertiary institution.
According to the Commissioner, the committee, which has the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba as Chairman and SSA on Public Communication, Mr. Dodoh Okafor as Secretary has the following as its terms of reference;
“The identification of the perpetrator and to make appropriate recommendations to the Visitor to the university. Two, allegations of bribery against a lecturer, as well as allegations of forged certificates against the same lecturer.
“Three, to determine the extent of the implementation of the white paper on the 2024 full investigation panel to the university and to identify implementation gaps. Four, any other matter that may be relevant to the ongoing transformation and restoration of Abia State University as a citadel of learning and excellence in teaching and research,” Prince Kanu stated.
The committee, which has other members to include; Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, Professor Idowu Eluwa, and Professor Lawrence Idemudua, is equally expected to work hand-in-hand with the governing council of the university to carry out its assignment.
Prince Kanu disclosed that the 2026 Annual School Census has commenced across the state from Monday May 11th, 2026. “The exercise is designed to provide the State Minister of Basic and Secondary Education reliable data for planning, policy formulation, and full access into the Hope Education Intervention Grant,”
The exercise, he said, will cover schools across the three senatorial zones of the state and will run for one month.
Prince Kanu also revealed that the Abia State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education has so far established 140 learning centres across the state to provide educational opportunities for adults and individuals who missed formal education earlier in life.
He stated that, in furtherance of the education reform agenda of Governor Otti’s administration, the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board recently organised training and capacity-building programmes for 265 headteachers and 306 Early Childhood Care Development teachers to strengthen effective school management and improve learning outcomes.
The Commissioner further disclosed that ASEPA has commenced full enforcement of the use of waste bins in all commercial vehicles across the state to promote cleanliness and proper waste disposal habits among passengers.
He noted that the agency’s consistent efforts have contributed significantly to Abia’s growing reputation as one of the cleanest states in Nigeria.
Prince Kanu informed that in line with the road infrastructure efforts of the present administration, out 29 roads under contract, 3 has been completed and would be commissioned soon. These roads include; the 2.213 kilometres Umuogo-Nsukwe ring , 5.95 kilometres Dualization of Onuimo Bridge -Abia Tower Road and 11.5 kilometres Expansion/Reconstruction of Nunya-Eluama Road
He disclosed that while, out of 51 roads under Direct Labour, 5 roads have been recently completed and no new one is added to its maintenance basket. He listed the completed Direct Labour works to include; maintenance of failed sections of Osisioma Flyover (600 metres), maintenance of failed sections of Port Harcourt -Enugu Expressway to Ugwunagbo LGA Secretariat (5.2 kilometres), maintenance and asphalt overlay of Adaelu road from Osisioma Junction to Mopol Base, Aba (2.7 kilometres), construction of Oberete-Umuopara Road, Obingwa LGA (1.03 kilometres) and construction of Geometric Power to Guineas Junction, Aba (2.66 kilometres)
Prince Kanu further informed journalists that Governor Alex Otti recently paid a courtesy visit to the new World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Matthews Verghis, in Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen existing partnerships between the Abia state government and the World Bank.
He said the visit provided an opportunity for both parties to review ongoing collaborative programmes, while also exploring new areas of partnership capable of accelerating development in the state.
The Commissioner announced that the Abia state government will on Friday, May 15th, 2026, host Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, in celebration of his 85th birthday anniversary.
He explained that the Governor remains committed to promoting high ethical standards in public life and encouraging young people to emulate distinguished role models whose lives exemplify integrity, leadership, and service to society.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix noted that the EXCO appreciated the courtesy visit of the Governor to the Country Director of the World Bank and affirmed that conversations would continue with the World Bank to ensure Abia continues to benefit from its programmes .
She said, ” That the sectors of continuous partnership include; Energy, education, agriculture,ICT.among others, and these areas align with the vision of the Governor,” Mrs. Felix stated.
Also, the General Manager, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, Mazi Ogbonnia Okereke revealed that the agency was not enforcing the waste management policy from the point of revenue, but compliance with the environmental law.
He further disclosed that the agency was working on bringing public waste bins to those areas there are lacking, and enjoined Abia people and residents to continue to support the environmental policies of Governor Alex Otti.
