…As Information Commissioner Updates Government Activities

The Abia State Executive Council (SEC) has constituted a five-member special committee to investigate allegations of harassment, extortion and related misconduct involving students and lecturers at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu.
The decision was taken during the council’s weekly meeting held on Monday, May 11, 2026, as part of efforts by the state government to uphold high academic and ethical standards in the institution.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the committee would be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Dr. Caleb Ajagba, while the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communication, Mr. Dodoh Okafor, will serve as secretary.

Other members of the committee are Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, Professor Idowu Eluwa and Professor Lawrence Idemudia.

Kanu said the committee is expected to work closely with the university’s Governing Council and has been given four key terms of reference.

According to him, the committee is to identify perpetrators involved in the allegations and make appropriate recommendations to the Visitor to the university.

It is also expected to investigate allegations of bribery and certificate forgery involving a lecturer, determine the level of implementation of the white paper arising from the 2024 visitation panel to the university, and identify any implementation gaps.

The committee was further mandated to examine any other issues relevant to the ongoing transformation and restoration of ABSU as a centre of academic excellence, teaching and research.

The Information Commissioner also disclosed that the 2026 annual census of public and private schools commenced across the state on Monday, May 11, 2026.

He explained that the one-month exercise is aimed at providing the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education with reliable data for planning, policy formulation and access to the Hope Education Intervention Grant.

Kanu further revealed that the Abia State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education has established 140 learning centres across the state to provide educational opportunities for adults and individuals who missed formal education earlier in life.

He added that, in line with Governor Alex Otti’s education reform agenda, the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) recently organised training and capacity-building programmes for 265 head teachers and 306 Early Childhood Care Development teachers to strengthen school management and improve learning outcomes.

The commissioner also recalled Governor Alex Otti’s recent visit, alongside some top government officials, to the new World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Verghis, in Abuja.

He described the visit as part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between the Abia State Government and the World Bank.

According to him, the meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to review ongoing programmes and explore new areas of partnership capable of accelerating development in the state.

The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, who was part of the governor’s delegation, expressed optimism that the engagement would further strengthen Abia’s access to World Bank partnership programmes.

She identified energy, education, agriculture and ICT as major sectors of continued collaboration, noting that they align with Governor Otti’s development vision for the state.

Kanu further disclosed that, in line with Governor Otti’s commitment to promoting integrity, leadership and service, the state government will host the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Dr. Nnaemeka Achebe, on Friday, May 15, 2026, in celebration of his 85th birthday anniversary.

He noted that Governor Otti has consistently honoured distinguished Nigerians and Abians from different walks of life, including politicians, musicians and retired military officers, as part of efforts to inspire younger generations.

The commissioner also provided updates on environmental sanitation activities across the state.

He said the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (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 among passengers.

Kanu maintained that ASEPA’s consistent efforts have contributed significantly to Abia’s growing reputation as one of the cleanest states in Nigeria.

Speaking further, ASEPA General Manager, Mazi Ogbonnaya Okereke, explained that the enforcement drive was not intended as a revenue-generating exercise but aimed at ensuring compliance with environmental sanitation laws.

He added that the agency is working towards expanding the availability of public waste bins to areas where they are yet to be provided.

Okereke urged residents to support the environmental protection and sanitation policies of the Governor Alex Otti administration by complying with proper waste disposal practices.