Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has restated that his administration remains committed in delivering on its manifesto, especially in the Education Sector which he described as the fulcrum of his administration.
Governor Otti made the assertion on Tuesday when he officially received the Abia-born President-elect of the All-African Students’ Union (AASU), Comrade Enyinnaya Osisiogu, and his delegation at his Nvosi Isialangwa South LGA office.
The Governor, while congratulating Comrade Osisiogu on his emergence at the Continental Congress, said his administration was implementing every commitment it made during the campaigns.
Governor Otti who emphasised that Abia’s aggressive investments in Education were intentional and future-driven added that his administration has in the last two years dedicated 20% of it’s budget to Education.
“We had a clear manifesto, and we are implementing that manifesto. We had said clearly that Education is the fulcrum of this administration, and the truth about it is that without Education, we wouldn’t even be here.
“Anyhow, you slice and dice it, Education is so critical. And when we decided to remove school fees, we wanted to democratize Education and make it possible for the big man’s children and the small man’s children to have an opportunity to go to school and go to good schools.
“In the last two years, we have dedicated 20% of our budget to Education. It’s also in realization of the fact that that’s the most important industry and it’s the industry that feeds other industries”, he said.
Governor Otti further said that his administration’s reforms cuts across recruitment of qualified teachers through
merit-based employments, renovation of hostels among others were already restoring confidence in the Education Sector.
The Governor recalled his recent visit to Abia State University Uturu, where he found hostel facilities in deplorable condition, and noted that his government sprung into action prompting immediate intervention.
He disclosed that his administration has approved additional funds to ensure Students return in January to improved facilities in the institution.
The Governor encouraged the newly elected AASU Leader, to remain steadfast in the values that earned him continental confidence and pledged full support of the State Government throughout his tenure.
“I would like to congratulate you for winning the election. Iwant to thank God for making it possible for somebody from here to emerge In the last several years AASU was set up, he said it was in the 1970s, 1972. So we are very happy that you are mounting the saddle next month.
“We believe that you are going to be a very good ambassador, not just to the State, but to Nigeria.
“My challenge to you is that all the things that made people vote for your administration, you should not deter. I congratulate you for emerging the President-elect, and reassure you that you have an optimal support from here”, he said.
In his brief, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Students Affairs, Hon Chinedu Nwosu said the Abia Born All African Students Union president was elected recently during the 14 Elective Congress of the Union which comprises 55 Countries and represents over 170 Million Students.
In his speech, the All African Students Union President Elect, Comrade Enyinnaya Osisiogu said his victory was tied directly to the transformative work being done by the Otti administration.
Comrade Osisiogu noted that during his campaign across 43 African countries, he consistently cited the Governor Otti led administration’s unprecedented investment in Education adding that it contributed to his winning the election at continental level.
“I have said it that I come from a state that has invested a whopping over $150 million in education for next year. I have come from a State where the Government is willing to provide accommodation for close to 20,000 students and is committed to moving Abia State Polytechnic to its permanent site.
“I’m very happy and proud to identify with your administration because you have made me proud, and those things you have done successfully contributed to my winning this election at continental level”, he said.
Comrade Osisiogu lauded the State’s plan to pioneer advanced courses such as Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence at Abia State Polytechnic, describing the initiative as “very ambitious”.
He pledged to prioritise Abia in AASU’s continental programmes and to attract Educational development opportunities to the State.
“With your permission, we will do further all of these to ensure that we actually have more Abia Students benefit in leadership just like I have done leveraging on your achievements”. the Student Union President Elect said.
