Education
PURPORTED LEAKED AUDIO: Questions Requiring Answers as Ben Kalu Raises Concerns Over Item University Take-Off
PURPORTED LEAKED AUDIO: Questions Requiring Answers as Ben Kalu Raises Concerns Over Item University Take-Off, Praises Otti
Did Benjamin Okezie Kalu Recorded this Audio?
A purported leaked audio making rounds, currently generating significant attention on social media attributed to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has raised fresh questions about the preparedness of the proposed Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
In the recording, a voice attributed to Kalu reportedly expresses concern over the readiness of the proposed university site following an alleged inspection by a team from Abuja.
The voice reportedly claims that the team was not satisfied with the level of preparation at the site and urges stakeholders to take urgent steps to provide the necessary facilities for the institution’s take-off.
The recording also reportedly discusses the possibility of considering an alternative location with better infrastructure, a development that could generate concern among residents who expect the university to be established in Item.
However, Media Today Nigeria has not independently authenticated the audio or confirmed that any official decision has been made to relocate the university.
Another notable part of the recording is the voice’s reported commendation of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, describing the governor as having been very supportive of the university project.
The reported remarks come after public statements in July 2026 indicated that Governor Otti had approved Certificates of Occupancy for the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, and the Federal College of Education, Bende. The development was described as a step towards facilitating the take-off of the two federal institutions. The Sun reported the development on July 30, 2026.
University Established by Law
President Bola Tinubu signed legislation establishing the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, Bende, in June 2025, according to a report by TheCable. The institution is intended to strengthen access to medical and health sciences education in the South-East.
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The central issue now is whether the proposed site is adequately prepared for the university’s commencement and whether any authorised body has formally considered changing its location.
Questions Requiring Answers
The reported contents of the audio raise several questions for the relevant authorities and stakeholders:
- What were the findings of the alleged inspection team from Abuja?
- What facilities remain to be provided at the proposed Item site?
- Has any official proposal to change the university’s location been submitted or approved?
- What roles are the federal government, Abia State Government and community stakeholders playing in preparing the institution for take-off?
Channel
Answers to these questions are necessary to separate verified facts from speculation and prevent unnecessary tension among communities.
Media Today Nigeria will seek responses from the office of the Deputy Speaker, the Abia State Government and the relevant federal authorities to establish the status of the project and clarify the concerns raised in the recording.
For the people of Item, Bende and Abia State at large, the priority remains the successful take-off of the university and access to the educational, healthcare and economic opportunities it could provide.
Note: The audio referenced in this report has not been independently authenticated by Media Today Nigeria. Statements attributed to the recording are presented as unverified claims, not established facts. No formal relocation decision has been independently confirmed by this publication.
For the leaks audio Click HERE
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