Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba; Abia State College of Education Technical, Arochukwu; and other state government-owned higher institutions would not be converted to universities.
The governor made the point on Friday in Umuahia while reacting to reports that the immediate past administration in the state converted three institutions to universities before exiting office.
“Running many universities is a financial and administrative burden for a state,” Governor Otti said, explaining that he was not aware of such conversion by the past Abia administration.
He said duplication of universities denies the schools of quality attention and proper funding, adding that Abia State University, Uturu and privately owned universities can render the needed services in the state.
“If you establish three universities, you will have three vice-chancellors, three registrars and three administration buildings.
“I will not be an apostle of duplicating universities when you have one you can fund very well and take advantage of,” Governor Otti said.
The Abia governor said he was more concerned with adequate funding of the existing higher institutions in the state while maintaining their statuses.
