Abia State government has announced the conversion of three institutions in the state to universities following the approval by the State House of Assembly.
Disclosing this to journalists on Tuesday, at the end of the Abia State Executive Council Meeting chaired by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu at the Government House, Umuahia, the State Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, said the Government also approved the fractionalization of the State Ministry of Education into the Ministry of Basic Education and Ministry of Post Basic Education.
The approved institutions to be converted include Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, to become Abia State University of Science and Technology; Abia State College of Education, Arochukwu, to become the Abia State University of Education; and Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Studies to become the Abia State University of Health Science and Management Studies, Aba.
According to the statement, the Government also approved special funding for Abia State Scholarship Board to enable them to deliver more foreign scholarships to desiring Abia Students and award local scholarships.
“Exco directed the expedition of procurement processes for the establishment of Abia State Automated Garment factory, Aba, with more than 500 new jobs expected to take off in December 2021
“The council reviewed and approved the further release of funds for the new Government House project in Umuahia to ensure realization as scheduled.
“The Council directed the expeditious completion of work at the new JAAC building in Umuahia.
“The council approved valuation of outstanding work at Ohobo Afara Housing estate and private-public partnership arrangement to complete and allocate the buildings to Abians.
“The council approved the renaming of two Technical Schools in the state as follows: Boys Technical College, Aba, now to be known as Government Technical College, Aba, and Secondary Technical College, Afara, now to be known as Government Technical College, Afara.
“The council approved funding for fortifications, remodelling and completion of work at the Mother & Child Specialist Hospital, Umuahia.
“The council approved the award of the following contracts: Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of 9 nos of roads in Umuahia.
“The executive Council meeting approved Upgrade of Umuahia Township Stadium in Umuahia LGA by Aron Nigeria Limited,” the statement read.
