The Governing Council of Abia State University, Uturu, has inaugurated a five member search team to identify candidates for the position of substantive ninth Vice Chancellor, following the recent publication of advertisements for the role across various media platforms.

The Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Rt Hon Dr Agwu U Agwu, inaugurated the team with Professor Onwubiko Dike serving as chairman. Other members include Professors Mary Oluchi Iwuagwu and Sam Agu, both of whom are members of the university Senate, as well as Professor Anthony Obike and Dr Osita Igbe, who represent the university Congregation. Dr Uche Kalu Uduka, a representative of the Registrar, serves as team secretary.

Agwu said the team was constituted in line with Section 12 2(b) of the Laws of ABSU 2005, which provides for the constitution of a search team, and charged members to physically visit universities across the country to identify suitable candidates, particularly Abia State indigenes who may be qualified but unlikely to apply independently.

"The objective of this team is to physically visit many universities across the country to identify and nominate for consideration by the Governing Council, suitable persons, especially Abians, who are not likely to apply for the post of the Vice Chancellor on their own volition, because they feel that it is not proper to do so," he said.

The Pro Chancellor tasked the team to obtain relevant credentials and documents from identified candidates, prepare comprehensive reports on each person, and submit recommendations to the Governing Council within three weeks.

Agwu said the council was committed to restoring due process and transparency in leadership recruitment, adding that the exercise aimed to revive an academic tradition that had been neglected in recent years and had affected the university's fortunes.

The Team Chairman, Professor Dike, acknowledged the assignment's sensitivity but expressed confidence in the team's ability to deliver, calling for stakeholder cooperation and guidance throughout the process.

The university has been administered by Professor Ndukwe Okeudo, appointed from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, since the termination of Professor Maxwell Ogbulu's appointment ahead of his tenure's expiration. The Governing Council commended Okeudo for his efforts to reposition the institution during his period in office.