By Chesa Chesa
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has commended the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for the approval of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) for two federal tertiary institutions located in Bende Local Government Area of the state.
The institutions are the Federal College of Education, Bende, and the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu described the development as a significant step towards the speedy take-off of the institutions.
The Deputy Speaker said the approval would help facilitate the establishment of the schools, create employment opportunities, improve access to quality education and healthcare, and stimulate economic activities in Bende and across Abia State.
The development follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent in June 2025 to bills sponsored by Kalu for the establishment of the two institutions in Bende.
Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said the collaboration between his office and the Abia State Government remained vital to advancing the development agenda of the state.
He pledged continued partnership with relevant stakeholders to attract more federal projects to Abia.
“I commend His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, for this swift action. It is a synergy that works for the development of Abia State and our people in general,” Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker expressed optimism that the institutions would contribute significantly to human capital development and improve the socio-economic outlook of the state.
