Reviewing Gov. Otti’s impactful education reform initiatives
By Ogbonnaya Ikokwu
Gov. Alex Otti’s policies in the education sector have, no doubt, breathed new life and vigour into the system, repositioning it strategically for effective and impactive teaching and learning.
Although education is a cornerstone of development, successive administrations in Abia State neglected the sector, leading to its near-total collapse. Schools were plagued by dilapidated infrastructure, while teachers across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions endured months of unpaid salaries. Hence, industrial actions became frequent, often disrupting academic calendars and deepening the crisis in the sector.
The instability in public schools forced many parents to withdraw their children and got them enrolled in private institutions, despite the burden of high tuition fees. This situation eroded the dignity of the teaching profession, compelling many educators to abandon the classroom for administrative roles in the Ministry of Education.
Recognising the transformative role of education in socioeconomic development and human capacity building, Gov. Otti, upon assuming office, prioritised the prompt payment of teachers’ salaries to restore their confidence and dedication to duty.
Determined to ensure that no school-aged child is left behind, the governor introduced free and compulsory education from primary to junior secondary school. This policy is anchored on the principle that education must be affordable and accessible to all residents of Abia, in line with the Abia State Child’s Rights Law of 2006.
To ensure compliance, the government established the Abia State Basic Education Marshalls, tasked with enforcing compulsory education, ensuring that children were not seen gallivanting or hawking on the streets, in the markets, and communities during school hours.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Uchechukwu Kalu, said that within two years of Otti’s administration, the lost glory of the education sector is being restored.
Beyond free and compulsory education, Gov. Otti abolished all levies in public schools, including Parent-Teacher Association fees. He also introduced an imprest account system to provide head teachers and principals direct funds for effective school management.
Teacher development has been prioritised through regular training and retraining programmes, alongside special allowances for those posted to rural areas. The government also embarked on renovation and retrofitting of classroom blocks to create a conducive teaching and learning environment in public schools.
In a clear demonstration of commitment, the 2025 state budget allocated 20 per cent to education – one of the highest sectoral provisions. The administration also lifted the embargo on employment, recruiting 5,349 teachers to meet the rising school enrollment.
Through the Education Reform Innovation Training (ERIT) programme, more than 2,000 teachers have been trained on modern teaching methods and digital technologies. Additionally, the state partnered with ASSPPAA-Isdors Platforms Limited to launch the Science Teachers Championship, designed to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across schools.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu, spoke glowingly about the massive school renovation and retrofitting projects and urged continued support and prayers for the administration.
Furthermore, the government, in collaboration with UNESCO, recently launched the AbiaFIRST Education Initiative, a comprehensive programme aimed at upgrading infrastructure, integrating digital learning platforms, modernising the curriculum, enhancing vocational and technical education, and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation systems.
The Director in charge of the Secondary Education Management Board, Mrs. Ngozi Onwubiko, remarked that Abia workers had every reason to thank God for the state’s renewed focus on education.
The government has also unveiled the Abia State Basic and Secondary Education Management Information System, designed to strengthen the ongoing reforms.
As the government rolls out these policies to reposition public education, parents and guardians are encouraged to seize the opportunity to enroll their children in public schools to fully benefit from these ongoing salutary reforms, courtesy of a people-oriented government.
#Gov. Otti is building the New Abia!
#To God be the glory!
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu is a journalist and public affairs analyst, writing from Umuahia.