Abia State University (ABSU) underwent a significant administrative overhaul on Monday, as Governor Alex Otti replaced key officials, appointing Professor Ndukwe Okudo as the new Vice-Chancellor and Dr. Agwu U. Agwu as the new Pro-Chancellor. This shakeup came in response to findings from a probe into the former officials’ management of the institution. The announcement followed a State Executive Council meeting led by Governor Otti, where Information Commissioner Prince Okey Kanu confirmed that a white paper detailing the investigation’s findings will soon be published.
One of the most celebrated appointments was that of Dr. Agwu U. Agwu, a respected figure in Abia’s political sphere. Originating from Ozu-Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area, Agwu has been active in state politics since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. He first entered the Abia State House of Assembly in 2003 as a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), representing Arochukwu. Re-elected in 2007 under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) founded by former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, Agwu became Speaker of the House, winning the election with 20 votes against Mr. Orji Lekwauwa of Bende North constituency.
After returning to the PDP in 2011, Agwu pursued further education, earning a PhD in Political and Administrative Studies (International Relations) from the University of Port Harcourt in 2023, following a Master’s degree in International Relations from the same institution in 2016. His academic journey began with an HND in Food and Institutional Management from Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, after receiving an OND in the same field from the College of Technology in Nekede, Owerri, Imo State.
Agwu’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the “Outstanding Legislator of the Year” award from the Nigerian Senate in 2006, and honorary recognition as a Georgia Citizen in Atlanta, USA, in 2008. With this new role as ABSU’s Pro-Chancellor, Agwu brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to advancing both the institution and broader national development.