Alex Otti Fulfils Manifesto Two Years After Election

Alex Otti Fulfils Manifesto: Two Years After Election, Abia Witnesses Educational Boom

When Governor Alex Otti campaigned for office, he made a bold promise: to ensure that no child in Abia State would be denied access to education due to financial constraints. Two years after his election, that promise is no longer just words—it’s a reality.

The Free Education Policy In Abia State 

Since January 2025, the introduction of free education at the primary and secondary school levels has transformed the educational landscape in Abia.

Governor Otti himself admitted that the government initially planned to enforce school attendance by arresting children found hawking during school hours and holding their parents accountable. However, enforcement became unnecessary as students willingly flooded back to school.

"We thought we would have to arrest children selling bananas and groundnuts on the streets, but what we found is that schools are bursting at the seams. There’s nobody to arrest—people want to go to school," he stated.

Alex Otti Fulfils a Campaign Promise

During his gubernatorial campaign, Otti was clear about his priorities for education. He pledged to:

• Properly fund education to ensure quality learning.
• Provide scholarships for students who could not afford schooling.
• Ensure that teachers were well-paid and motivated.
• Make education as affordable as possible for all.

His administration took decisive steps to bring these promises to life. In 2024, the government declared free and compulsory education for primary and junior secondary students and made it illegal for school-age children to be seen hawking during school hours.

The results speak for themselves. Enrollment rates have soared, with public schools recording an unprecedented influx of students. This success has not gone unnoticed.

Last week, when officials from the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) visited Abia State, they commended the Governor’s policies, acknowledging his administration’s commitment to prioritizing education over politics.

Nnaemeka Okafor, Director of Regional Advocacy at NELFUND, lauded Otti’s efforts, stating that his policies set a strong precedent for other states to follow.

A Vision for the Future

Education is the bedrock of development, and Otti’s policies have positioned Abia State as a leader in primary educational reform. With sustained government commitment and strategic investment, Abia could soon become a model for accessible, quality education in Nigeria.

The journey is far from over, but one thing is certain—Governor Alex Otti did not just make promises in the previous elections; he is delivering results.