The VC went on to say that the university received approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to start 16 new academic programs in the 2018/2019 academic year.
He listed the programs as Pharmacy, Nursing, Optometry, Public Health, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Architecture, and all College of Education programs.
He stated that the institution had spent over N350 million on the ongoing multi-billion naira Teaching Hospital at Ezinnachi in Imo, as well as the hostel and office block projects.
Prof. Gregory Ibe, the university’s Chancellor and Founder, also stated that the institution had grown from three to ten colleges since its inception.
Ibe expressed his delight that the institution had maintained the 61 NUC-accredited courses.
He went on to say that the academic staff had grown to 258 people, with 2000 students.
He stated that the population of post-graduate students “is ever increasing and has maintained a strong intake level,” with some having already graduated.
“These and many more frontiers within our academic system serve as markers to the institution’s burgeoning growth,” he said.
According to the chancellor, the university has maintained a strong relationship with the Abia government.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the ceremony’s highlights included the laying of the foundation for the Digital Economy Institute at the request of Prof. Sam Zuga, Archbishop of City of Joy Ministry, Otukpo, Benue.
Mrs Anita Adeyemi represented Zuga, who was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humanities, at the event.
Other notable Nigerians who received honorary doctorates from the university include retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr Joshak Habila, an Umuahia-based industrialist and estate developer, Mr Obioma Okorie, and Mrs Nwakaego Emmanuel, Chief Executive Officer, Derick Group of Companies.