Abia Begins Demolition, Reconstruction of College of Health Sciences

The Abia State Government has commenced the demolition and reconstruction of the Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology, Aba, marking a significant step in its efforts to overhaul public tertiary education and modernise learning infrastructure across the state.

The move, confirmed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alex Otti, Njoku Ukoha, is part of a broader policy aimed at rehabilitating dilapidated educational institutions that have suffered decades of neglect. According to the state government, many of the college’s existing buildings—some more than 70 years old—are structurally unsound and no longer fit for academic use, prompting the decision to completely rebuild the campus. Ukoha explained that the demolition exercise will pave the way for modern academic blocks, administrative offices, laboratories, hostels, and other essential facilities designed to meet contemporary educational and health training standards. He said the redevelopment aligns with Governor Otti’s commitment to restoring the quality, safety, and global competitiveness of Abia’s tertiary institutions. As part of Governor Otti’s commitment to recover and remodel all state-owned tertiary institutions, demolition will start on site within the week, and most of the college’s over 70 years old dilapidated structures left in ruins and despair by previous administrations will be reconstructed to create a better learning environment for the students,” Ukoha stated. To promote transparency and public engagement, the Abia State Government has released design prototypes of the proposed new structures, offering residents and stakeholders a visual preview of what the transformed institution will look like upon completion. The reconstruction of the College of Health Sciences is one component of a wider infrastructure renewal programme underway in Abia. The Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, has reportedly undergone a full transformation, while Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, is currently benefiting from extensive rehabilitation, reconstruction, and expansion works. In addition, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, has recorded notable upgrades at its temporary campus, while construction continues at its permanent site in preparation for eventual relocation. The Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, is also undergoing large-scale renovation and expansion aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and medical training. Education and health sector stakeholders have welcomed the redevelopment, noting that modernising the College of Health Sciences could significantly improve the quality of training for health professionals, enhance accreditation prospects, and contribute to addressing workforce shortages in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. The Abia State Government says the project represents a long-term investment in human capital development, institutional credibility, and improved service delivery, reinforcing its broader agenda to reposition public education and health institutions as engines of sustainable growth.