Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has pledged full support for the establishment of the proposed Methodist University at Umuimenyi, Bende Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor gave the assurance when he received the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Abah, who paid him a courtesy visit in Umuahia alongside a retinue of Archbishops and Bishops.
Governor Otti expressed delight over the Church’s plan, describing the initiative as a continuation of its historic role in missionary, health, and educational development in Nigeria.
“We are very happy about it, and we can assure you that any support we can give, we will not hesitate to render. Education remains a top priority for us, which is why it has consistently received the largest share of our budget,” he said.
The Governor disclosed that his administration has consistently allocated 20 percent of the state budget to education in 2024 and 2025, as part of efforts to revamp a sector he described as “inherited in a state of disrepair.” He highlighted ongoing massive renovations at Abia State University (ABSU), including new hostels, cafeterias, and lecture theatres, while also confirming that backlog of salaries has been cleared.
On the concerns raised by the Church over land encroachment around the University site, Gov. Otti directed his Deputy Chief of Staff, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, to work with the Methodist delegation to resolve the matter. He further revealed that his administration is already constructing a road that leads to the proposed University site.
Earlier in his remarks, the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Abah, said the visit was to seek a collaborative partnership with the State Government to actualize the establishment of the University.
He noted the Church’s pioneering role in education and social welfare in Nigeria and emphasized that the institution would contribute greatly to the development of Abia State and Nigeria at large.
“We therefore seek a collaborative partnership to advance the establishment of the University in Abia State, to complement the laudable strides of our performing Governor. This partnership will not only benefit our Church but the entire State, providing opportunities for young people to acquire knowledge and skills needed for nation-building,” the Prelate said.
He also congratulated Governor Otti for his visible achievements, describing him as “a capacity Governor, elected by God and man,” while praying for greater success for his administration.
The meeting was attended by the SSA on Religious Affairs, Pastor K.C. Wiper, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, and the DG/CEO of the PPP & Investment Promotion Office, Mr. Chinedu Chijioke.
