The Methodist Church Nigeria has announced plans to establish a university in Abia State and is seeking a partnership with the state government to bring the initiative to fruition. The disclosure was made by the Prelate of the Church, Reverend Oliver Abah, on Thursday during a visit to Governor Alex Otti at the Government House. The delegation outlined the vision for the university, which is slated to be located at Umuimenyi in the Bende Local Government Area, and sought government support to ensure the project’s smooth execution.
Reverend Abah emphasized that the visit was aimed at fostering a collaborative relationship with the Abia State government to advance the university project. “Methodist Church Nigeria has the record of being the pioneer of education and educational institutions, health institutions, and social welfare establishments in the space called Nigeria,” the cleric said. “We therefore seek a collaborative partnership to advance the establishment of the University in Abia State to complement the laudable and giant strides of our performing Governor. We believe that this partnership will not only benefit our Church, but also the entire state, as it will provide opportunities for young people to acquire knowledge and skills that will enable them to make meaningful contributions in nation-building.”
During the visit, Reverend Abah raised concerns about emerging challenges around the prospective university site, particularly in the Lodu, Lohum, and Nkpa areas. He appealed to the state government for immediate support to safeguard the land from potential encroachment and ensure that the university project proceeds without hindrance. “We noticed some issues that need urgent attention, especially regarding land grabbers around the university. We appeal to your administration to help us address these challenges immediately,” he said.
The Prelate also commended Governor Otti for his visible achievements and transformational leadership in Abia State. He described the governor as a capable leader, elected by God and man, and prayed for continued success and further upliftment for him and his administration.
Responding to the Church’s appeal, Governor Alex Otti expressed delight at the proposed establishment of the Methodist University in Abia State. He welcomed the initiative as a strategic addition to the state’s educational landscape and assured the delegation of the government’s full support.
“We are very happy about this initiative, and we can assure you that any support that we can give, we will not hesitate to render it,” Governor Otti stated. “There is no doubt that the Methodist Church has been a pioneer in missionary activities in Nigeria and, of course, in the health and education sectors of the economy. Setting up a university is one of the things you are known for. For us as a government, education is so important that it gets the largest allocation in every budget that we have approved since we came into office. It would be our pleasure to support you and partner with you in the establishment of this University.”
Methodist Church Seeks Partnership with Abia Government to Establish University at Umuimenyi
Governor Otti noted that the proposed university would not only serve as a center of learning but also play a crucial role in creating opportunities for youth development and enhancing the human capital of Abia State. He described the initiative as timely and aligned with the state government’s commitment to promoting education and social advancement.
The proposed Methodist University at Umuimenyi is expected to contribute significantly to the educational, social, and economic development of the region. The Church, which has a longstanding history of pioneering educational and health institutions across Nigeria, sees the university as a platform to extend its legacy and provide high-quality education for future generations.
Reverend Abah expressed confidence that the partnership with the Abia State government would ensure the timely completion of the university and make it a model institution in Nigeria. He reiterated the Church’s commitment to providing world-class educational opportunities and contributing to the overall growth of Abia State.
The delegation included senior officials of the Methodist Church Nigeria, who accompanied Reverend Abah in discussions with Governor Otti. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties agreeing to work closely to address challenges and facilitate the establishment of the university.
With the state government’s backing and the Church’s extensive experience in education, the Methodist University at Umuimenyi is set to become a landmark project in Abia State, promising to provide students with opportunities to excel academically while fostering moral and social development. The initiative reflects a shared vision between the Church and the government to harness education as a tool for sustainable development and nation-building.
The collaborative effort underscores the commitment of both religious institutions and government authorities to ensure that Abia State continues to benefit from quality education, enhanced infrastructure, and a future generation equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive socio-economic progress.
Source- Punchng
