Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has received the report of the Exploratory Committee on the Establishment of Abia State International University of Science and Technology, Aba.

Speaking after he was officially presented the document by the chairman of the committee, Prof Anya O. Anya, at a virtual session, Governor Ikpeazu said: “Time has come for us in Abia to embrace science and technology in order to remain relevant in the ever evolving world.”

He pointed out that the project will no doubt fill a very important void of redefining who we are as a people and point the way forward for the present and future generations.

The Governor who made it clear that, he is mindful of the huge financial burden that comes with such gigantic project noted that by the grace of God, the idea will be achieved and will not be abandoned.

The Governor, who promised to thoroughly study the report, said he would set up an implementation team in two weeks’ time in order to immediately move the idea to its next level. He paid glowing tributes to Prof. Anya and his team members for doing a great job despite the challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The State Chief Executive also used the occasion to announce that the first pairs of shoes from the recently operationalised Enyimba Automated Shoe Factory, Aba, were ready and gave the firm assurance that four more shoe factories will be activated soon in the state.

Earlier in his remarks before presenting the report to the Governor, the Chairman of the Exploratory Committee on the Establishment of Abia State International University of Science and Technology, Prof. Anya noted that the report is one that will return the state to the early days of its history and create the desired future for all Ndigbo.

He lauded the Governor for the idea, maintaining that Abia has the capacity to attract the needed diaspora involvement and assistance to realise the project and advised that excellence be maintained while pursuing the project to enable it attain global standards.

The event, which was hosted via zoom video conferencing technology, was moderated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Matters and Special Duties, Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Ogbonna-Erondu. Others in attendance were members of the state executive council, state legislators, aides of the Governor, Vice Chancellor of Abia Stafe University, Prof Uche Ikonne, DG of BCA, Sir Anyaso Anyaso, NUJ National Chairman, Comrade Chris Isiguzo and the state Chairman, Comrade John Emejor.

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