Otti Apologises to Abia Children for Years of Neglect in Education

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has apologised to Abia children on the neglect of schools by successive administration in the State.

Otti made the apology on Tuesday, during the 2025 International Children’s Day celebration, held at Umuahia Township Stadium, declaring that education would never again be taken to the background under his watch.

He assured that his government would continue to give priority attention to programmes and policy choices that would have positive impact on the future of Abia children.

The Governor who announced the dawn of a new era in education, revealed that his administration is ‘holistically rebuilding the entire learning architecture in the State to answer to the demands of the new global order.’

“In no distant future, we shall start delivering the 20 schools we are converting to smart schools to set a new benchmark for teaching and learning in the State’s public school system. Thereafter, another 20 will follow.

“You are already aware that we recently published the list of 5, 300 competitively-recruited teachers who are now being deployed not just to teach in our schools, but to become emblems of the new standard of excellence for our educational system.

“As you may be also aware, we have concluded arrangements to recruit additional 4, 000 teachers with a special bias for persons with competences in science, engineering, mathematics and technology, Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor proclaimed an end to the era of rote learning in the public schools, maintaining that, children would no longer be sent to rehash old ideas and cram their way to good grades.

“Let me assure every child here that your future is bright. I am optimistic that all of you would grow to become stars and leaders in your chosen fields of interest.

“We shall do our best to provide you with the necessary support to realise your dreams but again, you have to bear in mind that for anyone who desires genuine success, there can be no alternative to hard work and resilience. Apply yourself wholly to your studies, refuse to be distracted and never permit anyone to lure you to bad gang, drugs, crime or behavioural choices that may pose immediate danger to the beautiful future ahead of you. Take time to learn and express yourselves in healthy development activities like sports, debates, drama, music and membership of youth-oriented voluntary organisations in your communities and places of worship. Tomorrow is yours to take, let nothing hold you back.”

In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs Maureen Aghukwa, who disclosed that the theme for this year’s Children’s Day is, “Stand up, Speak up: Building a bullying free Generation, said the theme resonates  with the shared goal of fostering a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for every child.

Mrs. Aghukwa noted that bullying remains one of the challenges affecting children’s well- being, mental health and academic performance called on all to stand and speak out against bullying while assuring the commitment of the State government to championing the rights, welfare and development of every child in Abia.

“I urge parents to be vigilant and supportive , teachers to be vigilant and proactive, and community and ensure that their generation grows up in a safe , healthy, and nurturing environment.

“It is an opportunity to reinforce our commitments through policies, educational programmes, community engagement, and personal examples to eradicate bullying,” Aghukwa stated.

The Children’s Day saw the Governor take the traditional march-past salute from Abia pupils and students are featured competitions in debate, quiz and tug-of-war as well as various entertainment performances from the children.