The Abia State Government has successfully conducted the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for applicants seeking admission into the 2026 Abia State Youth Leadership Academy, with over 7,000 young people competing for 1,000 available slots.
Speaking while monitoring the exercise at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike CBT Centre, President of the Abia State Youth Leadership Academy and former Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, expressed satisfaction with the smooth and transparent conduct of the examination.
Professor Kalu commended the high level of organisation and the impressive turnout of applicants, describing the exercise as seamless and well-coordinated. He noted that the overwhelming interest shown by young people reflects their commitment to acquiring ethical leadership values and life skills.
He praised Governor Alex Otti for establishing the academy, describing it as a visionary initiative designed to nurture a new generation of responsible, disciplined and value-driven leaders for the state.
According to him, although more than 7,000 applications were received, only the top 1,000 candidates will be admitted after the screening process.
Professor Kalu urged participants to embrace the virtues of integrity, empathy, civic responsibility and discipline, stressing that these qualities are essential for nation-building and effective leadership.
Some of the candidates, including Christian Ugochukwu, Amarachi Vincent, Jubilee Francis and Angel Chikara, commended Governor Alex Otti for introducing the leadership programme, describing it as a valuable opportunity for young people to develop leadership capacity and contribute meaningfully to society.
