The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, has extolled the achievements of Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, since he assumed office less than two years ago.
He also called on other state governors to take a clue from Gov. Otti, who allocated 20 percent of the state’s budget for 2024 and 2025, to the development of the education sector in the state.
This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday, by Gov. Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.
Sen. Ohuabunwa was speaking when he led members of the council and management of the University of Port Harcourt, to visit to the governor.
“You know when we speak, people would listen, not only in Abia State, not only in Nigeria, even within the ECOWAS sub-region.
“We’ve seen the allocation of 20 percent annual budget to education, and we are asking him to do more.
“I’m not here as a politician, but I’m here, speaking as a pro -chancellor and chairman of the governing council of the University of Port Harcourt, which is an educational institution. So, it’s a way of appreciating him, and advising him to do more in the area of education.
“You know that I’m from this state, and I have been part and parcel of the political trajectory of this state from 1999 till now, and counting. So, when I tell you anything, it will be difficult for anybody to contradict it.
“So, what I’m saying is that within 21 months, I think Dr. Alex Otti has done well, and he is doing well. What we are saying is that we are encouraging him to do more,” Sen. Ohuabunwa stated.
He noted that Gov. Otti has distinguished himself in service within the last 21 months as governor, describing him as one of the illustrious, and prominent alumnus of the university whom the Institution is proud of.
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He said that the university will collaborate with the administration of Gov. Otti in many ways, including granting Abia State students access into the university for their academic pursuits.
He used the forum to invite Gov. Otti to the golden jubilee celebration of the university holding later this year, adding that in a bid to close the infrastructural gap, the university will during the ceremony set up a N10 billion endowment fund.
Receiving the delegation, Gov. Alex Otti said that all he has done in the state in the last 21 months, is to restore the dignity of the people of Abia State.
He congratulated Sen. Ohuabunwa on his well deserved appointment as pro-chancellor of his alma mater, and lauded his efforts in making the university better.
Gov. Otti also congratulated the university in maintaining 50 years of academic excellence, and promised to support the university, in collaboration with other alumni.