Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has promised to transform educational institutions across the state, aiming to equip students with the skills needed to become job creators after graduation.
Speaking on Friday at the 19th to 21st combined convocation ceremony of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, formerly known as Abia State Polytechnic, Otti revealed plans to allocate 20 per cent of the 2025 budget to education, similar to that of the 2024 budget.
He noted that his administration’s dedication to education has resulted in significant support for public educational institutions in the state.
“Our general outlay for the education sector has led to retrofitting primary and secondary schools across the State.
“It has also led to capacity development, training, and retraining programs for more than 2,000 primary and secondary school teachers,” he said.
The Governor highlighted other achievements in the education sector, including extensive financial support for state-owned institutions, regular and prompt salary payments to teaching and non-teaching staff, and clearing outstanding salary arrears.
These efforts, he stated, aim to address the long-term challenges faced by education sector workers in the state.
Decrying the neglect of education and the politicization of academics as the state’s greatest setbacks, the Governor pledged continued support for public educational institutions.
He disclosed that earlier in the year, his administration had paid four years of accumulated counterpart funds to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), amounting to N5bn. UBEC has since assured the release of over N10bn to support Abia’s education sector.
“I am happy to announce that earlier this year, we paid about four years’ accumulated counterpart funding of N5bn to the Universal Basic Education, and UBEC had written to assure us that very shortly, the total funds, which in my estimation will be over N10bn, will be released to us,” Otti stated.
The Governor also announced an N1m business grant for each of the 150 best-graduating students from the three convocation sets. Beneficiaries will be required to submit business proposals to the government via the email address [email protected] by December 31, 2024.
Further commitments include reconstructing the polytechnic’s internal road network to enhance the campus environment. Governor Otti added that arrears of salaries owed to staff by the previous administration are being paid, including for staff no longer on the payroll.
He confirmed he had directed the Secretary to the State Government and the Accountant General to ensure these payments were completed.
The Governor explained the decision to rename the institution in honour of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, who founded the polytechnic, was intended to inspire future students to strive for excellence.
“Dr. Onu did not just establish the polytechnic but was an epitome of excellence and dignity,” he noted.
He congratulated the graduates and commended the management and governing council for their efforts in revitalizing the institution.
In his address, Mr. Stanley Egege, Chairman of the Polytechnic’s Governing Council, pledged to continue transforming the institution into a hub for technological and entrepreneurial training.
Rector Dr. Christopher Okoro noted the school’s achievements under his leadership, including introducing new programs like Artificial Intelligence and efforts to accredit 16 additional programs.
A total of 6,621 students graduated, with 3,138 earning National Diplomas and 3,483 awarded Higher National Diplomas.
Earlier in the day, Governor Otti laid the foundation for the perimeter fencing of the Osisioma Campus and commissioned several newly renovated projects, including the Rector’s Lodge, administrative building, main entrance gate, and more.
He was accompanied by Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, members of the State House of Assembly, commissioners, and other dignitaries.