The Research Directorate found a number of references to different programs or colleges at Abia State University: an undergraduate degree in marketing (The Indian Express 28 Nov. 1997); a Nigeria/Mercy College (New York State African Studies Association n.d.); Library Studies (University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies 1 July 1998); an indication from the International Institute for Christian Studies that Abia State University was wanted to fill a faculty position at Okigwe in "biblical, theological or religious studies" (n.d.) as well as an informal agreement by the University of Houston's College of Optometry to provide Abia State University "assistance with faculty development and curriculum review" (University of Houston Sept. 1997).

The Research Directorate also found a number of references to individuals in an official capacity at Abia State University: a K.K. Oyeoku as University Librarian (Rhodes University Library 8 Sept. 1998); Basil Amaeshi as Director of Library Studies (University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies 1 July 1998); and a 1998 reference to the Vice-Chancellor of the university as Professor S.O Igwe, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) as Professor Stephen Emejuaiwe and the President of the Abia State Development Organisation (ABSDO) as Professor Joe Irukwu (Post Express 12 Mar. 1998).

Post Express also reported Professor Igwe as saying that the university's hostel facilities were intended for 2,000 students when the university moved to its present site in 1987 and that since then "only three emergency-type bungalows have been added for the current population of students of over 8,000" (ibid.).

No reports of problems of Abia State University with the government in February 1997 as a result of student actions could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. However, there are February 1997 reports of student discontent with proposed increases in university fees (West Africa Jan./Feb. 1997; Post Express 7 Feb. 1997). Post Express reported that the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) "threatened to embark on a mass action as a formidable resistence against the impending introduction of school fees in the nation's tertiary institutions" (ibid.).

Information on courses offered at Abia State University could not be found in the sources consulted by the Research Directorate, For additional information on Abia State University and its colleges, faculty and chancellors please consult The World of Learning available in Regional Documentation Centres.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

The Indian Express [Bombay]. 28 November 1997. Kulwinder. Singh. "Emeka Markets Top Class Soccer." [Internet] www.indian-espress.com [Accessed 2 Dec. 1998]

International Institute for Christian Studies. n.d. "University Openings: Nigeria." [Internet] www.iics.com [Accessed 2 Dec. 1998]

New York State African Studies Association. n.d. "22nd Annual Conference June 10-12 1997." [Internet] www.sage.edu [Accessed 2 Dec. 1998]

Post Express [London]. 12 March 1998. Uchendu Wogu. "Erosion Ravages Abia University." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com [Accessed 2 Dec. 1998]

_____. 7 February 1997. Dele Ogunyemi. "NANS Orders Students to Resist New Fees." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com [Accessed 3 Dec. 1998]

Rhodes University Library. 8 September 1998. "Directory of University Libraries in Africa." [Internet] www.ru.ac.za [Accessed 2 Dec. 1998]

University of Houston. September 1997. "Inventory of International Programs." [Internet] www.uhsa.uh.edu [Accessed 2 Dec. 1998]

University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies 1 July 1998. "Centre of African Studies: Associate Members of the Centre of African Studies." [Internet] www.soas.ac.uk [Accessed 2 Dec. 1998]

Additional Sources Consulted

Africa Confidential. [London]. January - April 1997.

Africa Research Bulletin: Political, Social and Cultural Series [Oxford]. March - May 1997.

DIRB Indexed Media Review [Ottawa]. 28 January - 1 April 1997.

Keesing's Record of World Events [Cambridge]. 1997.

Resource Centre. Nigeria country file. January - March 1997.

West Africa [London]. January - March 1997.

Electronic sources: IRB Databases, LEXIS/NEXIS, Internet, REFWORLD, World News Connection (WNC).