A seven-member Visitation Panel to the Abia State University Uturu headed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief J. U. K. Igwe has formally been inaugurated by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.
Inaugurating the panel at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House Umuahia, Governor Ikpeazu said the setting up of the panel, which is in line with standard practice in University administration, became expedient following the expiration of the outgone administration of the University headed by Prof Uche Ikonne.
The Governor who, said that the visitation panel was meant to determine areas that need attention, gave the terms of reference of the panel to include; to review the activities of the University from 2011 to 2020, to review the academic programs with a view to ascertaining their relevance and whether or not they are current and in line with the 21st century demands in education.
He also tasked members of the panel to review the guidelines on admission and its implementation as well as the financial transactions for the period 2011- 2020.
The panel is also to look into adequacy of Staffing including academic staff and otherwise and consider the state of infrastructural facilities in the institution.
Other terms of reference of the panel include: to review the administrative policies in terms of staff welfare and promotions, consider staff development in terms of training and research and to review quality and qualification of academic staff, whether it meets the NUC requirements and to make necessary recommendations on any other matter incidental thereto or considered relevant to the growth of the institution.
Ikpeazu, while noting that highly respected Abians were selected to serve on the panel congratulated the out-gone administration led by Prof. Ikonne who took the University from obscurity to number 26 in the ranking of Nigerian universities and the 2nd best State University.
He noted that the university has ran five uninterrupted academic sessions but for COVID-19 and also won many awards in some faculties, notably in law and medicine and charged the new Vice Chancellor, Professor O M Ogbulu, who was part of the delegation, to further push the University higher in excellence.
Responding on behalf of the other members, the Chairman of the visitation panel, Chief J. U. K. Igwe, SAN, recalled that education occupies a special place in the heart of the Governor as his vision is to turn the Abia State University Uturu to a world class university.
He assured that they would make actionable recommendations to ensure consistency in the vision of the Governor.
Other members of the Committee are Hon. Jude Udeachara, Sir Sam Onukwuo, Dame Victoria Akanwa, Eze Love Wogu and Dr. Nathaniel Iheanacho, while Mr Okechukwu Ihedioha will serve as the Secretary of the Panel.
ABIA ONLINE reports that the Secretary to Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, Commissioners for Finance; Information as well as Homeland Security, Dr Aham Ukoh, Chief John Okiyi Kalu and Prince Dan Okoli respectively, as well as Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr ACB Agbazuere were among other top officials at the event.
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