Public school enrolment in Abia State has recorded a historic increase, rising from 117,000 pupils to over 300,000 within one year, according to Governor Alex Otti.
The Governor disclosed this on Thursday, January 29, during his monthly media engagement, “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians,” held at the Government House banquet hall in Umuahia. He described the sharp rise in enrolment as clear evidence that ongoing reforms in the education sector are yielding positive results.
Governor Otti said the figures released by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education align with his administration’s goal of making quality education accessible and affordable to every resident of the state.
He noted that the government has commenced the recruitment of 4,000 additional teachers to strengthen learning outcomes and ensure smooth operations across public schools.
According to him, renovation and reconstruction works are currently ongoing in several educational institutions, including Abia State University, Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, where hostels and administrative facilities are being upgraded.
The Governor also revealed that several infrastructure projects are nearing completion, adding that the Omenuko Bridge and the Abam–Okobo–Amuvi–Arochukwu Road will soon be commissioned. He further announced plans to flag off the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road as part of efforts to fully restore Aba’s road network.
In the housing sector, Governor Otti said the state government will soon commence construction of pocket layout housing estates alongside larger housing projects in Mbaisii, Mgbarakuma, and Ubakala.
He also unveiled a landmark partnership aimed at digitally mapping and rating all hotels and hospitality facilities across Abia State. The initiative will use GPS technology and standardized criteria to classify hotels, guest houses, and lodges, enabling residents and visitors to view locations and prices online before making reservations.
In science and technology development, the Governor announced the launch of a pilot bio-gas project at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. He explained that the programme is designed to convert waste into clean, renewable energy, with the potential to power facilities within the Umuahia ring-fenced area.
On healthcare, Governor Otti confirmed that Phase One of Project Ekwueme, covering 200 primary healthcare centres, has been completed, with many already operational. He said plans are underway to commence Phase Two, stressing that facilities will only be opened after meeting set standards and staffing requirements. Over 600 healthcare professionals have been recruited and are currently being deployed.
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The Governor also disclosed that construction of a new general hospital in Ndoki, Ukwa East, has begun, while the CKC Aba water project is nearing completion and will soon be commissioned. Additional water projects in Ariaria, Umuahia, and Arochukwu are expected to follow, as the government works toward restoring pipe-borne water to households statewide.
The media interaction was attended by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, members of the State Executive Council, and aides of the Governor.