John Dewey once said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” Today, January 24, 2026, the world marks the International Day of Education, an annual global observance proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 and first celebrated in 2019 to affirm education as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for peace, sustainable development, and social inclusion.
Beyond commemoration, the International Day of Education serves as a call to action reminding us that learning is not merely a service delivered to students but a shared societal responsibility. Governments, institutions, communities, and young people must participate actively in shaping education systems that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of a changing world. This resonates deeply with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
This year’s theme “The Power of Youth in Co Creating Education” underscores a vital truth: young people are not passive recipients of knowledge but active partners in designing, strengthening, and sustaining educational systems that are fit for the challenges of the 21st century.
In Abia State, the past two years under the leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti have reflected this global vision with remarkable clarity. The state has moved from aspiration to action, placing education at the center of its development agenda. Through deliberate reforms and strategic investments, Abia is building a learning ecosystem where young people are not only learners but contributors to the future of their society.
At the heart of this transformation is the Abia FIRST initiative, a comprehensive education reform programme that guarantees free and compulsory basic education, effectively removing financial barriers that once kept many children particularly from low income households out of school.
In parallel, the state has expanded teacher recruitment and development to ensure quality learning. Over 5,394 qualified teachers have already been added to the system, with another 4,000 additional teachers planned to support rising enrollments and improve teacher student ratios, a foundational step towards achieving quality education in every classroom.
Infrastructure has also been a major focus. Abia is rehabilitating hundreds of primary and secondary schools, and plans are underway to convert 20 schools into Smart Schools, equipped with digital learning tools and modern facilities that enhance interactive teaching and learning. These upgrades reflect a forward looking approach to education, ensuring that classrooms are safe, inclusive, and technologically equipped preparing students for the demands of a rapidly transforming global economy.
In addition to structural reforms, Governor Otti’s budgetary priorities demonstrate a deep commitment to education. reflecting a sustained commitment since 2024 to position education as a central pillar of development. This allocation meets the upper range of UNESCO’s recommended guideline of 15–20 percent of public spending on education, signaling that the Otti administration sees education as a strategic investment in the state’s future. Of this allocation, ₦150.4 billion will support teacher salaries and infrastructure such as new primary/secondary schools, technical colleges, and ICT labs, while ₦52.8 billion will support tertiary institutions like Abia State University, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, and Abia State College of Education (Technical).
These combined reforms from policy and personnel to infrastructure and strategic financing reinforce the reality that in Abia, education is no longer treated as a peripheral concern but as a priority engine of social and economic transformation.
On this International Day of Education 2026, Abia State offers a compelling example of the day’s core message: education flourishes when systems are intentionally designed to be inclusive, when investments are sustained and strategic, and when young people are supported as partners in creating their own futures. Under Governor Otti’s leadership, education in Abia is no longer solely about classrooms and textbooks it is about life, opportunity, and collective advancement.
