Governor pledges education reform, unveils initiative
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has launched the Abia Fostering Innovation Reform School Transformation (AbiaFIRST) initiative, a flagship program aimed at driving rapid socio-economic development through a comprehensive overhaul of the education sector.
Speaking at the official unveiling of the AbiaFIRST logo on Wednesday in Umuahia, Otti emphasised that the initiative is designed to deliver intentional quality education by making strategic, sustained investments in the state’s schools.
“AbiaFIRST Transformation Education programme is focused on strategic initiatives aimed at transforming the education sector in the state through sustained investments in the development of school infrastructure, training and retraining of teachers on new trends, and recruitment of quality teachers to cater for the rise in enrollment figures in our public schools,” Otti stated.
The governor vowed to take the lead in ensuring qualitative education delivery, stressing that his administration would no longer play a secondary role in the sector.
“Abia State Government has re-taken the initiative to lead the charge in qualitative education of our young people through our multi-level learning institutions.
“Never again will the Government play second fiddle with the education sector as we shall lead from the front in terms of investments in infrastructure, recruitment of the best to teach and educate our children, and personnel remuneration,” he affirmed.
Otti further reiterated that education remains central to his development agenda, emphasizing that the state’s growth framework is built on the transformative power of education.
He assured that his administration would spare no effort in advancing education across Abia State.
“Abia Government shall spare nothing to prepare the Abia child for the emerging New Age. Investing in education, as we have learned from the development strides of other nations, is no longer optional but a fundamental prerequisite for societal advancement,” he added.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, described the AbiaFIRST initiative as a holistic institutional reform, not just an improvement of individual schools.
He noted that “digital learning platforms, curriculum enhancement, teacher development, vocational education, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs” are key components of the transformation agenda.
Similarly, Mrs Abolaji Osimen, the Team Lead of the Education Reform and Innovation Team (ERIT), revealed that her team of 180 specialists has been engaging with the administration since 2023 to foster “digital proficiency and innovation” among young learners.
“We must either address our learning crisis now or risk creating a future with an under-skilled population.
“Our choice today will determine whether Nigeria emerges as a dynamic economy with a highly skilled workforce or faces the challenge of widespread unemployment, increased crime, and economic stagnation,” Osimen warned.
She outlined five key pillars of the transformation strategy: “learning outcomes, future-ready workforce, learning environment transformation, teacher excellence, and strategic investments.”
Global Partners Pledge Support
Development partners, including UNESCO representative Mr. Adeyemi Oladeji, World Bank Senior Education Specialist Dr. Tunde Adekola, and British Council’s Daniel Fwanshishak, commended Governor Otti’s efforts in revitalizing Abia’s education system.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the initiative through capacity-building programs and strategic collaborations.
