Otti’s Administration Committed to Educational Transformation, Says First Lady
The Wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Alex Otti to the transformation of the education sector through the promotion of quality learning, infrastructural development, and policies that encourage academic excellence among students.
Mrs. Otti made this known during the Grand Finale and Prize Presentation Ceremony of the 14th Edition of the 2025/2026 Vision Africa Inter-School Debate Competition held in Umuahia.
The debate, organized by Vision Africa Radio in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, featured the topic: “Is the Grading System an Accurate Measure of a Student’s Intelligence?”
Represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, the First Lady noted that intellectual competitions such as debates provide students with valuable opportunities to conduct research, analyze issues critically, develop communication skills, and compete with confidence and determination.
She described the emergence of Gradiel International School, Umuahia, as champions of the competition as a reflection of teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and commitment to excellence.
Mrs. Otti commended the President of Vision Africa Radio, Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, for sustaining the annual competition over the years, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to nurturing a generation of informed, responsible, and academically driven young people.
According to her, education goes beyond examinations, grades, and certificates, stressing that true learning should inspire curiosity, nurture creativity, build character, and prepare young people to become responsible leaders and problem-solvers in society.
She further applauded the Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for its fruitful partnership with Vision Africa, noting that the collaboration demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved when government institutions and private organizations work together toward the advancement of education.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Occasion and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd), former Director of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Mr. Kester Ekekwe, praised the participating schools for their outstanding performances throughout the competition.
Ekekwe described the debate contest as a veritable platform for intellectual development and commended Archbishop Onuoha for consistently using the programme to promote academic excellence and sharpen the critical thinking abilities of students across Abia State.
In his welcome address, the President of Vision Africa Radio, Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, announced his decision to sponsor the WAEC registration fees of the six most outstanding students who participated in the competition.
The cleric emphasized the importance of investing in education and called on governments at all levels to prioritize the safety and welfare of students in schools across Nigeria.
He noted that creating a secure learning environment remains essential to achieving sustainable educational development and producing future leaders capable of driving national progress.
Some of the students who participated in the competition expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by the organizers. Chief Speaker of Gradiel International School, Miss Faith Uche; Chief Speaker of University Demonstration School, Miss Esther Stephen; and Deputy Senior Prefect of Ibeku High School, Master Confidence John, described the competition as a valuable platform for showcasing intellectual abilities, acquiring new knowledge, and developing leadership skills.
They thanked Archbishop Onuoha and Vision Africa Radio for creating an avenue that exposed students to healthy academic competition and encouraged excellence.
At the end of the keenly contested debate, Gradiel International School, Umuahia, emerged overall winner with 406 points, while University Demonstration School finished second with 398 points. Victorious Covenant High School, Aba, secured the third position.
The event attracted education stakeholders, government officials, school administrators, parents, students, and foreign partners of Vision Africa Radio, all of whom commended the organizers for sustaining an initiative that continues to inspire academic excellence and intellectual development among secondary school students in Abia State.
