Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has demonstrated his commitment to empowering graduates and revitalizing education in the state by awarding ₦150 million in business grants to the top 150 graduates of the Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba (formerly Abia State Polytechnic).
Speaking at the 19th–21st combined convocation ceremony of the institution, Governor Otti emphasized his administration’s focus on producing graduates who can become employers of labor rather than job seekers. He announced a N1 million grant for each of the best 150 graduates—50 from each graduating set—urging recipients to submit business proposals by December 31, 2024, via the designated email address, oggh@abiastate.gov.ng.
The governor reiterated his dedication to education by revealing that 20% of the state’s 2025 budget would be allocated to the sector, matching the allocation in 2024. He attributed the ongoing improvements in the state’s public education institutions to this strategic funding.
“Our focus on education has resulted in the retrofitting of primary and secondary schools across the state, capacity development for over 2,000 teachers, and prompt payment of salaries and allowances to teaching and non-teaching staff,” he stated. “We’ve also addressed the outstanding salary arrears inherited from previous administrations.”
Governor Otti highlighted his government’s payment of N5 billion in accumulated counterpart funds to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) earlier this year. He noted that UBEC had committed to releasing over N10 billion to further support education in the state.
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He also assured attendees that the polytechnic’s internal road network would be reconstructed to improve the campus environment and disclosed that his administration had begun clearing salary arrears owed to the institution’s staff, including those no longer on the payroll.
The convocation marked a celebration of excellence, with Governor Otti affirming his vision for an education system that nurtures entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
Explaining the decision to rename the institution after Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Governor Otti described him as an icon of excellence and dignity, adding that the move was intended to inspire future generations of students.
The event saw the polytechnic’s Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Stanley Egege, pledge to continue advancing the institution’s technological and entrepreneurial focus, while the Rector, Dr. Christopher Okoro, highlighted achievements such as the introduction of new programs, including Artificial Intelligence, and progress toward accrediting 16 additional courses.
The ceremony celebrated 6,621 graduates, comprising 3,138 National Diploma recipients and 3,483 Higher National Diploma recipients.
Governor Otti, accompanied by state and federal lawmakers, commissioners, and other dignitaries, also inaugurated new projects at the institution, including a perimeter fence for the Osisioma Campus, the renovated Rector’s Lodge, and the reconstructed main gate.