The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has praised Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, for prioritising education and human capital development, describing the state’s ongoing reforms as a solid step toward improving learning outcomes.
The commendation was delivered by Jean‑Paul Ngome‑Abiaga, UNESCO’s Head of Office and Country Representative to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), during a visit by a UNESCO delegation to the governor at Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Ngome-Abiaga noted that Abia State had made notable progress since 2023, highlighting improvements in infrastructure development, fiscal discipline and the education sector under Otti’s administration.
According to him, the reforms introduced by the state government since the governor assumed office are already producing visible results and strengthening the foundation of the education system.
The UNESCO representative also pointed out that the Abia State Government currently allocates about 20 percent of its budget to education and 15 percent to healthcare, a move he said demonstrates the administration’s commitment to social development.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Otti explained that his government introduced free and compulsory education after discovering that school fees were a major reason many children were unable to attend school.
He said the policy significantly increased school enrolment across the state, prompting the government to recruit thousands of teachers and launch large-scale school reconstruction projects, alongside the introduction of smart schools, curriculum standardisation and improved security for educational facilities.
The governor further assured the UNESCO delegation that the state government would continue to collaborate with the organisation and other development partners to strengthen the education sector and reduce the number of out-of-school children.
