The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for prioritising education and human capital development, describing the state’s reforms as a strong foundation for improving learning outcomes.
The UNESCO Head of Office and Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr Jean-Paul Ngome-Abiaga, gave the commendation during a visit by a UNESCO delegation to the governor in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, on Tuesday.
Ngome-Abiaga further commended Otti for the progress made in Abia State since 2023, particularly in infrastructure development, fiscal discipline, and education.
He noted that the reforms introduced by the Otti-led administration since assuming office were already yielding visible results.
Ngome-Abiaga lauded the state government for allocating 20 per cent of its budget to the education sector and disclosed that UNESCO has been working closely with the state government and its institutions, especially in the area of health education.
He said, “Our 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, and the involvement of more than 300 schools under the Abia First Education Programme.
“And all this started when you launched the Abia First Education Programme. So we would like to thank you for that, and we would like to continue to support you in that very important agenda.”
