Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has assured the Methodist Church Nigeria of full government support for the establishment of a new Methodist University at Umuimenyi, Bende Local Government Area. The pledge came on Thursday, August 28th, during a visit to the Governor’s office by His Eminence Dr. Oliver Abah, Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, accompanied by a delegation of Archbishops and Bishops.
Governor Otti expressed excitement over the initiative, emphasizing the Church’s longstanding contributions to education and health in Nigeria. “We are very happy about it and we can assure you that any support that we can give, we will not hesitate to render it,” he stated, highlighting that education consistently receives the largest allocation in every state budget since his administration assumed office.
The Governor also directed the Deputy Chief of Staff, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, to work closely with the Methodist Church to address complaints of land grabbing in the vicinity of the proposed university. “So, we are already building a road to the place,” he said, adding that infrastructure development around the site is already underway to facilitate the university’s construction.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to education, Governor Otti noted that 20 percent of the state budget in both 2024 and 2025 has been allocated to education. He further detailed ongoing investments in the Abia State University (ABSU), including massive renovations of hostels, cafeterias, and study theatres, as well as the clearing of salary backlogs for staff. “We have taken a principled stand that we will rescue, retrieve, and retrofit the University,” he emphasized.
Speaking earlier, Prelate Dr. Oliver Abah reiterated the Methodist Church’s legacy as a pioneer of education, health, and social welfare in Nigeria. He highlighted challenges in areas surrounding the proposed university, including Lodu, Lohum, and Nkpa, and appealed for government support to protect the project from land encroachment. “We therefore seek a collaborative partnership to advance the establishment of the University in Abia State to complement the laudable and giant strides of our performing Governor,” he said.
The Prelate also emphasized the transformative potential of the university for the state and nation at large, noting that it would provide young people with opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills critical for nation-building. He commended Governor Otti as a “capacity Governor, elected by God and man,” and prayed for further success and upliftment for his administration.
The meeting was attended by key state officials, including the SSA on Religious Affairs, Pastor K.C. Wiper, Deputy Chief of Staff Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, and the DG/CEO of the PPP & Investment Promotion Office, Mr. Chinedu Chijioke, reinforcing the collaborative approach between the Church and the State Government.
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