The Methodist Church of Nigeria has concluded plans to establish a university in Abia State.

The Prelate, Oliver Abah, disclosed this on Thursday when his entourage visited Governor Alex Otti, stating that they came to seek a partnership with the state government to establish a Methodist University at Umuimenyi in the Bende Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that there are some challenges noticed around Lodu, Lohum, and Nkpa areas, and appealed for immediate support, especially in the area of warning land grabbers around the university.

The Methodist Prelate noted that the Methodist Church in Nigeria is the pioneer of education and educational institutions in Nigeria, adding that the initiative would contribute tremendously to the future development of Abia State and Nigeria at large.

The cleric said, “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.

“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.”

He congratulated Otti on the visible achievements of his administration and described him as a capable governor, elected by God and man, and prayed for more upliftment for him.

Responding, Otti lauded the Methodist Church Nigeria for its plans to establish a University in Abia State, and expressed the excitement of the state over the proposed institution, while assuring of his administration’s support.

“We are very happy about it, and we can assure you that any support that we can give, we will not hesitate to render it. There is no doubt that the Methodist Church has been a pioneer in missionary activities in Nigeria and, of course, 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”, Otti stated.