Abia State University Law Students Appeal for Reconsideration of Faculty Relocation to Uturu
Umuahia, Abia State – Students of the Faculty of Law at Abia State University (ABSU) have raised a strong appeal to His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, urging a reconsideration of the recent decision to relocate the law faculty from Umuahia to the main campus in Uturu. The students, who acknowledge the governor's student-friendly policies, argue that the relocation presents a range of academic, financial, and security challenges that could adversely affect their education and wellbeing.
The appeal, written on behalf of the student body, highlights several critical concerns:
1. Academic and Professional Integrity
The law students emphasized that Uturu, although home to other university departments, lacks essential legal infrastructure like courts, legal aid clinics, and law firms. These are vital for students to gain hands-on legal experience. The students also pointed to the recent academic successes of the Umuahia-based law faculty, which has consistently produced top graduates, including a record seven first-class graduates last year. They fear that an abrupt relocation could harm the faculty's reputation and academic performance.
2. Accommodation and Financial Impacts
The unexpected relocation has disrupted the current academic semester, with many students already having secured accommodation in Umuahia. The new move will necessitate additional costs for students, many of whom will face financial hardship in finding housing in Uturu. This could also strain students’ ability to focus on their studies, as they face unanticipated accommodation expenses and a lack of available lodging in Uturu.
3. Economic Consequences
The relocation would have a severe economic impact on students, lecturers, and the broader Umuahia community. Many students rely on local businesses, such as lodging and transport services, to supplement their income, and the abrupt move would disrupt this. Similarly, lecturers who have invested in residences in Umuahia and built local livelihoods over the past nine years would face significant financial challenges. The economic ripple effect could negatively affect local businesses and potentially push vulnerable individuals into poverty.
4. Security Concerns
The students also raised concerns about the security risks posed by the journey from Umuahia to Uturu. The road to Uturu, which passes through Okigwe, is notorious for accidents, kidnappings, and other criminal activities. The students argue that forcing them to regularly commute along such dangerous routes could expose them to unnecessary risks.
5. Inadequate Facilities in Uturu
In addition to the security concerns, the students pointed out the lack of essential infrastructure in Uturu, such as consistent water and electricity supply. This would severely hinder both academic and personal life, making it difficult for students to maintain the high academic standards required of them.
In their letter, the students appeal for a reassessment of the decision, proposing that if relocation is deemed necessary, it should be done gradually with proper planning. They also suggest that the governor conduct a more thorough inspection of the academic facilities in both Umuahia and Uturu to ensure that the move would not compromise the quality of education.
The students of ABSU have urged Governor Otti to consider the long-term consequences of the relocation decision on their academic future, and they trust that their plea will be given the attention it deserves, recognizing their commitment to the university’s goals and their professional aspirations as future legal practitioners.
