The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has commended Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for prioritising Education and Human Capital Development, describing the State’s reforms as a strong foundation for improving learning outcomes.
The UNESCO Head of Office and Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Jean‑Paul Ngome‑Abiaga, gave the commendation during a visit by a UNESCO delegation to the Governor at Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Dr.Jean‑Paul Ngome‑Abiaga
Ngome-Abiaga, further commended Governor Otti for the progress made in Abia State since 2023, particularly in infrastructure development, fiscal discipline and Education.
The UNESCO Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS noted that the reforms introduced by the Otti led administration since assumption of office were already yielding visible results.
He particularly lauded the State Government for allocating 20 per cent of its budget to the Education Sector and disclosed that UNESCO has been working closely with the State Government and its institutions, especially in the area of Health Education.
According to him, the collaboration has resulted in the training of more than 1,000 teachers on Health Education, engagement of over 700 community and religious leaders on HIV and health awareness and involvement of more than 300 schools under the Abia First Education Programme.
“And all this started when you launched the Abia First Education Program. So we would like to thank you for that and we would like to continue to support you in that very important agenda”, he said.
Ngome-Abiaga urged the State Government to further deepen collaboration with UNESCO, increase budgetary provision for Health Education and expand partnership in areas within the organisation’s mandate.
He added that UNESCO is ready to provide technical expertise and institutional support to the Abia State Government in designing and implementing programmes in Education, Health Education and other areas within its mandate.
“We are here in this country because our mandate is focusing on Education, the Science, Culture, Communication and Information and we are here for you.
“We are here to assist you, to support your work and we would like you to know that we are available any time you need such a support.
“We would like to continue together and to support you. We will put all our technical expertise to your disposal in any area you need it”, he assured.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, highlighted the Africa Social Impact Summit, a platform convened with the United Nations system in Nigeria to accelerate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Olapeju Ibekwe
She said the summit, launched in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic, was designed to promote multi-sector partnerships among government, private sector and development organisations and has already helped unlock more than 100 million dollars in development financing.
Ibekwe also spoke about the Business Coalition for Education, launched in partnership with the Office of the Vice President to address the challenge of out-of-school children in Nigeria through private sector participation.
She invited Governor Otti to participate in the summit scheduled for July 22–23 at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos and urged Abia State to join as a pioneer public sector partner in the coalition.
Responding, Governor Otti thanked the delegation for the visit and expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with UNESCO and other development partners.
“What you came with, a request that no one can say no to; Partnership, support to reduce the number of out-of-school children, asking that more money be allocated to Health Education.
“Those are good and they are imperative for a government that is serious”, the Governor said.
He explained that the Abia State Government currently devotes 20 per cent of its budget to education and 15 per cent to health.
Governor Otti recounted how his administration introduced free and compulsory education after discovering that school fees were a major factor keeping children out of school.
The Governor said that the policy led to a surge in school enrolment, prompting the government to recruit thousands of teachers and embark on massive school reconstruction, introduction of Smart Schools, Curriculum standardization and improved security for school facilities.
He assured the delegation that Abia State would continue to work closely with UNESCO and other partners to strengthen the Education Sector and reduce the number of out-of-school children.
