Otti Raises Foundation Scholarship To N350,000, Rewards Six First-Class Graduates With N500,000 Each

UMUAHIA — Governor Alex Otti has increased the scholarship award of Alex Otti Foundation from N250,000 to N350,000 per beneficiary, citing current economic realities.

Otti also rewarded six First-Class graduates among the Foundation’s beneficiaries with N500,000 each.

The Governor announced the increment on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, during the Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Banquet where 81 newly inducted scholars were celebrated, including six beneficiaries who graduated with First-Class honours this year.

He said the increase had become necessary and directed the Executive Secretary of the Foundation to extend new rate to existing scholars still in school.

Otti said the selection process was strictly merit-based, without political, social or family considerations.

“Once you qualify, you are taken. It doesn’t matter your political affiliation. We don’t want to know who your parents support or where you come from,” Otti said.

He explained that the Foundation, established in 2009, restructured its scholarship programme in 2019 to strengthen transparency and ensure that the assistance reaches deserving students.

The Governor challenged scholars to emulate outstanding achievements of their colleagues and produce more First-Class graduates in subsequent years, urging them to remain humble, grateful and committed to studies.

He recounted his visit to injured police officers attacked by hoodlums and other patients in hospital in Aba as reminder of the challenges many face through no fault of theirs, urging people to visit hospitals to appreciate life.

“When you think that you have arrived, when you become self-conceited, when you become arrogant, don’t go too far, just visit a hospital, you will come out humbled,” Otti said.

He encouraged scholars to appreciate the opportunity provided by the Foundation and use education to make meaningful contributions to society, emphasising Foundation’s activities were independent of politics and its mission would continue beyond his political career.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Mr. Chidiebere Nnanna, said 81 new beneficiaries brought total number of scholars tracked since 2019 to 302, with over 81 already graduated.

Nnanna said the initiative goes beyond financial assistance to provide young people opportunities to pursue educational ambitions, build careers and advance to higher degrees, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to expanding opportunities through leadership development and career preparation.

Speaking on behalf of six first-class recipients, Miss Chizaram Okoronkwo, a graduate of Nursing Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti and the Foundation, saying the scholarship eased financial burden and enabled them to focus on their studies.