The management and the Committee on Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, have launched a high-priority civic engagement campaign titled “Make Your Mark: Continuous Voter Registration at ABSU.” This initiative is a direct response to the need for increased youth participation in the Nigerian democratic landscape as the nation begins its strategic preparation for the 2027 general elections. By bringing the registration process directly to the university environment, the institution is removing logistical barriers that often hinder students from participating in the electoral process, thereby empowering the next generation of leaders to secure their constitutional right to vote.
The exercise, which officially commenced on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, is scheduled to run through a deliberate ten-day window, concluding on Friday, March 6, 2026. This period has been strategically chosen to allow students across all levels and faculties to integrate the registration process into their academic schedules. The university authorities have emphasized that the future of both Nigeria and Abia State is inextricably linked to the decisions made at the ballot box. Consequently, obtaining a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is framed not merely as a political act but as a vital component of a student's broader responsibility to their community and country.
The campaign highlights a fundamental truth of modern governance: voting is the most powerful tool available to citizens to influence policies that directly impact their lives. For university students, these policies encompass critical areas such as educational funding, the quality of campus infrastructure, the availability of post-graduation career opportunities, and the general trajectory of national development. By participating in the CVR exercise, ABSU students are taking the first step toward demanding accountability from elected officials. The university committee has noted that when the youth population remains on the sidelines of the electoral process, their specific needs and challenges are often overlooked in the halls of power.
To facilitate a smooth exercise, the university has coordinated with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that registration points are accessible and efficient. Students are encouraged to turn out in large numbers, not just to register as new voters but also to utilize the window for transferring their voting centers if they were previously registered in their home states or distant local governments. Having a PVC that is valid for the Uturu area or the student’s primary place of residence ensures that they can vote with ease during election cycles without the need for expensive or risky travel.
Beyond the personal benefits of registration, the "Make Your Mark" initiative encourages a culture of peer-to-peer advocacy. Students are urged to act as ambassadors of democracy by inspiring their friends, roommates, and family members to join the movement. This grassroots approach aims to create a "multiplier effect," where the enthusiasm for civic duty spreads throughout the university community and beyond. The campaign's messaging is clear: a single vote is a voice, but a collective of thousands of student voices is a roar that cannot be ignored by the political class.
University authorities have reiterated that participating in the electoral process is a powerful means of promoting good governance. By registering now, students are preparing themselves to evaluate candidates based on their manifestos and track records rather than being swayed by last-minute political rhetoric. The CVR exercise at ABSU is designed to produce an informed and registered electorate that understands the nuances of the democratic process. This education is particularly relevant in a university setting, where critical thinking and analytical skills are refined daily.
The timing of this exercise, occurring early in 2026, is essential for ensuring that there is no last-minute rush as the 2027 elections draw closer. It allows INEC sufficient time to process the data, print the PVCs, and ensure they are distributed to the students before they depart for holidays or industrial attachments. Students are reminded that the PVC is a sensitive document that should be kept safely once received, as it serves as the only valid instrument for identity verification at the polling units on election day.
The "Make Your Mark" campaign is a testament to Abia State University’s commitment to producing well-rounded graduates who are not only academically competent but also socially and politically aware. The university leadership views this exercise as a practical laboratory for political science and sociology, where students experience the mechanics of democracy firsthand. As the March 6 deadline approaches, the university community is expected to maintain the momentum, ensuring that ABSU remains a leading light in youth-led democratic participation in the Southeast region.
In conclusion, the Continuous Voter Registration exercise at ABSU is a clarion call for students to take ownership of their destiny. By registering to vote, they are effectively declaring that their voice matters in the shaping of the "God’s Own State" and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The university committee and management look forward to a record-breaking turnout, proving that the ABSU student body is ready to lead the charge toward a more accountable and representative governance system.