Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has dismissed the possibility of converting state-owned higher institutions, including Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, and Abia State College of Education Technical, Arochukwu, into universities.

The governor made this known on Friday in Umuahia while reacting to reports claiming that the immediate past administration upgraded three institutions in the state to university status before leaving office.

Otti stated that he was unaware of any such conversions carried out by the previous government, adding that establishing multiple universities would place unnecessary financial and administrative burdens on the state.

According to him, running several universities would require additional management structures, including separate vice chancellors, registrars, and administrative facilities, which could stretch the state’s resources.

He argued that rather than multiplying universities, the state should focus on adequately funding and improving the institutions already in existence.

“If you establish three universities, you will have three vice chancellors, three registrars, and three administration buildings,” the governor said.

“I will not support unnecessary duplication of universities when there is already one that can be properly funded and maximized for quality education.”

Otti further noted that Abia State University, Uturu, alongside privately owned universities operating in the state, are capable of meeting the educational needs of residents.

The governor maintained that his administration’s priority is to strengthen existing higher institutions in the state while preserving their current status.