Gov. Otti Commends Methodist Church for Plans to Establish University in Abia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has commended the Methodist Church Nigeria for its decision to establish a university in Abia State, describing the project as a landmark initiative that will boost education and development in the state.

The Governor made this known on Thursday, August 28, 2025, when he received the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Abah, and a delegation of Archbishops and Bishops in his office.

Governor Otti expressed excitement over the proposed Methodist University at Umuimenyi, Bende Local Government Area, assuring the Church of government’s full support.

“We are very happy about it and we can assure you that any support that we can give, we will not hesitate to render it,” Otti said. “Education has remained a top priority of our government, and that is why we have consistently allocated 20 percent of our budget to education since we came into office.”

The Governor highlighted that his administration is already renovating and building hostels, cafeterias, and other facilities at Abia State University (ABSU), while clearing backlog of salaries owed to staff. He emphasized that the same level of commitment would be extended to support the Methodist University project.

Addressing concerns raised by the Church about land grabbing in the Umuimenyi axis, Governor Otti directed the Deputy Chief of Staff, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, to work with the Methodist leadership to resolve the matter. He also disclosed that road construction was already ongoing in the area to ease access to the university site.

Earlier, the Prelate, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Abah, said the Methodist Church Nigeria was seeking collaboration with the Abia State Government to establish the new university. He described the Church as the pioneer of educational, health, and social welfare institutions in Nigeria, stressing that the project would contribute significantly to youth empowerment and national development.

He called for urgent intervention against land grabbers around Lodu, Lohum, and Nkpa areas, warning that their activities could obstruct the project. The Prelate congratulated Governor Otti on his achievements so far, describing him as a “capacity Governor, elected by God and man,” and prayed for his continued success.

The meeting was also attended by the Senior Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Pastor K.C. Wiper, Deputy Chief of Staff, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, and the Director General and CEO of the PPP & Investment Promotion Office, Mr. Chinedu Chijioke.

With the establishment of the Methodist University, Abia is set to strengthen its position as a hub for quality education in Nigeria.