Abia AG Uwanna Hails Otti’s Education Reforms, Urges Unity in Isuikwuato

The Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, has commended the reforms introduced by the State Government in the education sector, describing them as transformative and capable of restoring confidence in public schools across Abia.

Uwanna made the remarks during a civic reception held in his honour in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, where he praised the administration of Governor Dr. Alex Otti for placing education at the centre of its development agenda through deliberate policies and strategic investments.

According to him, the government’s policy of free basic education from Primary One to Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3) has provided an estimated ₦3.6 billion annual relief to families across the state.

He noted that the reforms had significantly boosted enrolment in public schools, which he said had risen from about 117,000 pupils to more than 300,000 students an increase of over 156 per cent.

Uwanna also highlighted the reduction in examination costs, stating that the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) fee had dropped from about ₦15,000 to ₦1,000, while the Primary School Leaving Certificate fee had been reduced from about ₦12,000 to ₦2,500.

He added that hidden charges and Parent-Teacher Association levies that previously burdened parents had been eliminated.

Speaking further on the education reforms, the Attorney General disclosed that over 5,300 teachers had already been recruited and trained by the state government, with another 4,000 in the recruitment pipeline, bringing the potential new teaching workforce to more than 9,000 educators.

He also noted that teachers’ salaries were now paid promptly often on or before the 28th of every month while the retirement age for teachers had been extended to 65 years to ensure experience and stability in the classroom.

The Abia Commissioner for Justice pointed to ongoing improvements at Abia State University, Uturu, where student hostels are being retrofitted and major faculties, including the Faculty of Law, are undergoing reconstruction and modernization.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria stressed that education remains a powerful tool for national transformation and commended the state government for prioritising the sector.

Reflecting on the achievements of notable sons and daughters of Isuikwuato, Uwanna urged the people of the area to maintain unity across political and social lines to sustain development in the state.

He also called on residents to support the administration of Governor Otti, noting that continuity would help consolidate the gains already recorded.

Uwanna expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the occasion, retired Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, and other distinguished indigenes for their contributions to national development.

He also commended the Mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, for his efforts in strengthening security, promoting agriculture and improving infrastructure in the council area.

The Attorney General thanked the organising committee and the people of Isuikwuato for the reception held in his honour and pledged to continue contributing to the progress and development of the community and Abia State.