Abia State Governor Alex Otti has inaugurated a nine-man visitation panel to Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), with a charge to be fair and objective in discharging its assignment.

Speaking at the inauguration at the Government House, Umuahia, Dr. Otti recalled that for decades, ABSU had been a model for excellence in research, in line with the visions of the founding fathers of the institution, but noted that unfortunately, things had fallen apart, hence the need for setting up the panel.

He said the panel is not to indict individuals, but rather to look at relevant records and structures of ABSU from 2019 to 2023 and return to the state government, the recommendations that will take ABSU to its place of excellence.

The governor said panel members were chosen because of their experience and competence and urged stakeholders to cooperate with them.

Responding on behalf of other members, the Chairman, Prof. Steve Okorodudu, thanked Governor Otti for appointing them and said the panel would do its best in carrying out the assignment.

Other members of the panel included: Prof. Rose Nwabueze, Prof. Abiola Awosika-Fapetu, Dr. Sonny Ajala, SAN, Prof. Ngozi Osarenren, Prof. Nnenna Oyidie Okeh, Mr. Emmanuel Okpechi, FCA, Dr. Confidence Ogbonna and Mr. Dodoh Okafor, who serves as the secretary. (The Nation)