NEWS
UNESCO Commends Governor Alex Otti for Transformational Reforms in Education and Human Capital Development as Abia Deepens Global Partnerships
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has commended Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, for prioritising education and human capital development, describing the State’s ongoing reforms as a strong foundation for improving learning outcomes and strengthening the future of the education sector.
The commendation was given by Jean‑Paul Ngome‑Abiaga, UNESCO Head of Office and Country Representative to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), during a visit by a UNESCO delegation to Governor Otti at Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Ngome-Abiaga further commended Governor Otti for the progress recorded in Abia State since 2023, particularly in infrastructure development, fiscal discipline and education reforms that are already impacting the lives of citizens across the State.
The UNESCO Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS noted that the reforms introduced by the Otti-led administration since assumption of office were already yielding visible results.
He particularly lauded the State Government for allocating 20 per cent of its budget to the Education Sector, describing the commitment as a bold investment in the future of the State. He disclosed that UNESCO has been working closely with the Abia State Government and its institutions, especially in the area of Health Education.
According to him, the collaboration has resulted in the training of more than 1,000 teachers on Health Education, the engagement of over 700 community and religious leaders on HIV and health awareness, as well as the involvement of more than 300 schools under the Abia First Education Programme.
“And all this started when you launched the Abia First Education Program. So we would like to thank you for that and we would like to continue to support you in that very important agenda,” he said.
Ngome-Abiaga urged the State Government to further deepen collaboration with UNESCO, increase budgetary provision for Health Education and expand partnership in areas within the organisation’s mandate.
He added that UNESCO is ready to provide technical expertise and institutional support to the Abia State Government in designing and implementing programmes in Education, Health Education and other critical sectors within its mandate.
“We are here in this country because our mandate is focusing on Education, the Science, Culture, Communication and Information and we are here for you.
“We are here to assist you, to support your work and we would like you to know that we are available any time you need such a support.
“We would like to continue together and to support you. We will put all our technical expertise to your disposal in any area you need it,” he assured.
Also speaking during the visit, Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, highlighted the Africa Social Impact Summit, a platform convened with the United Nations system in Nigeria to accelerate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the continent.
She explained that the summit, which was launched in 2022 after the COVID‑19 pandemic, was designed to promote multi-sector partnerships among government, the private sector and development organisations. According to her, the initiative has already helped unlock more than 100 million dollars in development financing.
Ibekwe also spoke about the Business Coalition for Education, launched in partnership with the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, to address the challenge of out-of-school children in Nigeria through stronger private sector participation in education development.
She invited Governor Otti to participate in the summit scheduled for July 22–23 at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos and urged Abia State to join as a pioneer public sector partner in the coalition.
Responding, Governor Otti thanked the delegation for the visit and expressed the readiness of the Abia State Government to deepen collaboration with UNESCO and other development partners in advancing education and human capital development.
“What you came with, a request that no one can say no to; Partnership, support to reduce the number of out-of-school children, asking that more money be allocated to Health Education.
“Those are good and they are imperative for a government that is serious,” the Governor said.
Governor Otti explained that the Abia State Government currently devotes 20 per cent of its budget to education and 15 per cent to health, reflecting the administration’s strong commitment to building a healthier and more educated population.
He also recounted how his administration introduced free and compulsory education after discovering that school fees were a major factor responsible for keeping many children out of school.
The Governor stated that the policy triggered a surge in school enrolment across the State, prompting the government to recruit thousands of teachers and embark on extensive reforms in the sector. These reforms include massive school reconstruction, the introduction of Smart Schools, curriculum standardisation and improved security for school facilities.
Governor Otti assured the delegation that Abia State would continue to work closely with UNESCO and other partners to strengthen the education sector, improve learning outcomes and reduce the numbe
r of out-of-school children in the State.