Abia Shines as Gov. Otti Hosts WAEC’s Highest Decision-Making Body, Reaffirms Commitment to Digital-Driven Education, Excellence, and Partnerships

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, received the Chairman and members of the Nigeria National Committee (NNC) of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) during a courtesy visit to the Abia State Government House, Umuahia. The Governor was ably represented by his Deputy, His Excellency Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE.

Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Governor, the Deputy Governor expressed delight that Abia, proudly known as the heart of the South-East, was selected to host the Council’s highest policy-making body. He reaffirmed the present administration’s commitment to strengthening educational excellence across the state, adding that Abia remains deeply invested in openness, collaboration, and all partnerships that advance sustainable development.

Engr. Emetu highlighted the state’s readiness to align with evolving global educational standards, especially as WAEC prepares to roll out Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for its examinations. He underscored the significance of this transition, describing it as a transformative step for Nigeria’s education sector.

“As a government, we will play our part in ensuring that Abia students are fully prepared for every 21st-century innovation in testing and learning.

“Abia is not a state that shies away from progress. We embrace it,” he said.

He encouraged the visiting officials to explore Aba and other parts of the state, assuring them that the development stories circulating online are indeed a reflection of visible and ongoing transformation across Abia.

“We are simply giving our people what they truly deserve,” he added, while wishing the WAEC delegation a pleasant and productive stay.

In her address, the Chairman of the Nigeria National Committee of WAEC, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Otti for granting audience to the Committee. She noted that the NNC meeting rotated annually across the six geopolitical zones was brought to Abia in recognition of the Governor’s evident passion for education, reflected in the state’s allocation of 20% of its 2025 budget to the sector, one of the highest proportions nationwide.

She described the NNC as WAEC’s highest decision-making organ responsible for implementing the curriculum designed by the Federal Government.

Hajiya Abdulkadir assured the Governor that no student would be excluded or disadvantaged by the planned introduction of Computer-Based Examinations.

She commended the sweeping developmental strides recorded under the Otti administration, especially in education, praising the establishment of smart schools, improved infrastructure, and consistent policy reforms transforming Abia into a true hub of academic excellence. Highlighting the state’s longstanding educational heritage, she noted Abia’s role in producing iconic Nigerians such as Dr. Alvan Ikoku, Capt. Chinyere Kalu, and Chief Arunma Oteh.

The NNC Chairman also formally invited Governor Otti to the Formal Opening Ceremony of the NNC Meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025, where he is expected to present the WAEC Endowment Fund Book Prizes to the three best-performing Abia schools in the 2024 WASSCE for School Candidates.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director of Administration of WAEC, Mrs. E. N. Onodu, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the hospitality accorded the delegation. She praised the visible transformation across the state and reaffirmed Abia’s distinct identity as God’s Own State.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu, was present during the visit.