The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reasserted the crucial role of education as a pivotal driver in the advancement of any nation. The Governor stated this during the 13th Convocation Lecture of Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja.
Represented by the Chief Liaison Officer, Abia State Liaison Office, Abuja, Hon. Iheanyi Frank Chinasa, Governor Otti affirmed that although the education sector in Nigeria continues to grapple with numerous challenges, the Abia State Government has remained resolute in tackling these obstacles by creating an enabling and supportive environment for learning at all levels. Hon Chinasa emphasized that Governor Otti’s administration is committed to rebuilding the sector through strategic reforms and infrastructure renewal.
Hon. Chinasa highlighted that tertiary institutions in the state, including Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, and the School of Medical Sciences, Amachara have witnessed remarkable transformations. These improvements include the construction of modern hostels, enhanced road networks across campuses, and ongoing curriculum reforms to ensure that academic programmes reflect the realities and demands of the 21st century.
He further explained that beyond refurbishing schools across the state, the administration has undertaken the employment of new teachers, as well as the extensive training and retraining of teaching personnel to strengthen instructional delivery. Governor Otti’s government, he said, has also prioritized technical and vocational education by providing facilities that will equip graduates with practical skills, empowering them to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Earlier in his lecture, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sunday Echono, urged governments and stakeholders to intensify efforts toward creating employment opportunities for Nigerian graduates. He stressed the need for the full implementation of education-focused reforms introduced to address the economic challenges confronting the nation.
The event attracted distinguished scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, and graduands who gathered to celebrate academic excellence and reflect on the future of higher education in Nigeria.
