Abia State on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, played host to the Nigeria National Committee (NNC) of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), as members of the Council paid a courtesy visit to Government House, Umuahia. Governor Alex Chioma Otti was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu.
Dr. Otti described the visit as both significant and timely, noting that Abia State was honoured to host WAEC’s foremost policy-making organ.
He stated that the Otti administration remains firmly committed to strengthening education, which he described as the foundation of sustainable development.
The Deputy Governor reaffirmed the government’s support for WAEC’s planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT), describing it as a bold step toward modernizing Nigeria’s examination system.
“Abia is prepared for the future of learning,” he assured. “Our students will not be left behind in the global shift toward technology-driven assessment.”
He encouraged the visitors to tour the state during their stay, adding that the infrastructural improvements and urban renewal projects currently underway in Abia reflect the administration’s resolve to uplift the state.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria National Committee of WAEC, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir, thanked Governor Otti for the warm reception and applauded the administration’s strong prioritization of education. She noted that the Committee’s decision to host its 2025 meeting in Abia was influenced by the state government’s impressive commitment to the sector, especially the allocation of 20% of the 2025 budget to education—one of the highest nationwide.
Hajiya Abdulkadir explained that the NNC remains WAEC’s apex decision-making body within Nigeria and assured that the shift to CBT would not hinder any candidate from participating in WAEC examinations.
She commended the Otti-led administration’s investments in modern schools, infrastructure, and education reforms, adding that Abia State’s long-standing reputation as a centre of learning is reinforced by the achievements of notable icons such as Dr. Alvan Ikoku, Capt. Chinyere Kalu, and Chief Arunma Oteh.
The NNC Chairman extended a formal invitation to Governor Otti to attend the opening ceremony of the Committee’s meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2025, where he is scheduled to present the WAEC Endowment Fund Book Prizes to the three best-performing Abia schools in the 2024 WASSCE.
In a vote of thanks, WAEC’s Director of Administration, Mrs. E. N. Onodu, expressed appreciation for the hospitality accorded the delegation and applauded the transformational projects evident across Abia State.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu, was also present during the visit.
