Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has increased the scholarship award of the Alex Otti Foundation (AOF) from ₦250,000 to ₦350,000 for each beneficiary, reaffirming his commitment to promoting academic excellence and supporting deserving students.
Governor Otti also rewarded six first-class graduates who are beneficiaries of the Foundation with ₦500,000 each.
The Governor announced the increment on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the 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.
Governor Otti said the increment had become necessary in view of the economic realities of the time. He directed the Foundation’s Executive Secretary to extend the increased award to existing scholars still in school.
The State Chief Executive said the scholarship selection process was strictly merit-based, with beneficiaries selected solely on their academic performance, 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,” the Governor said.
The Governor explained that the Foundation, established in 2009, restructured its scholarship programme in 2019 to strengthen transparency and ensure that assistance reaches deserving students.
Governor Otti challenged the scholars to emulate the outstanding achievements of their colleagues and produce more First-Class graduates in subsequent years.
The Governor also urged the beneficiaries to remain humble, grateful and committed to their studies. He recounted his visit to injured police officers attacked by hoodlums and other patients in a hospital in Aba as a reminder of some of the challenges many people face, which may not be the fault of their own.
He urged people to always find time to visit the hospitals so that they could appreciate life more, knowing that there’s nothing in this world to brag about.
“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. If you see what people are going through, out of no fault of their own, and things are getting very, very bad,” Governor Otti added soberly.
He encouraged the scholars to appreciate the opportunity provided by the Foundation and use their education to make meaningful contributions to society.
Governor Otti also emphasised that the Foundation’s activities were independent of politics, noting that its mission would continue beyond his political career. He congratulated the scholars on their achievements and wished them success in their academic pursuits.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Alex Otti Foundation, Mr Chidiebere Nnanna, while welcoming the 81 exceptional young men and women into the scholarship programme at the 2026 Scholarship Banquet, noted that the new beneficiaries brought the total number of scholars whose progress had been tracked since 2019 to 302, with over 81 already graduated.
Mr. Nnanna said the Foundation’s initiative went beyond financial assistance to provide young people with opportunities to pursue their educational ambitions, complete their programmes, build careers and, where possible, advance to higher degrees.
He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to expanding opportunities for scholars through leadership development, career preparation and engagement with the changing world of work.
The Executive Secretary attributed the programme’s progress to the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of its founder, the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, who believes that education is a vital instrument for overcoming poverty and ignorance.
He congratulated the 2026 cohort and expressed optimism that they would thrive, make meaningful contributions to society and become sources of inspiration and opportunity to others.
Speaking on behalf of the six first-class degree recipients, Miss Chizaram Okoronkwo, a graduate of the Faculty of Nursing Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Alex Otti and the Alex Otti Foundation for the scholarship support, which she said eased her financial burden and enabled her to focus on her studies.
She recalled the Governor’s increase in the scholarship award from ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 in 2023, describing the gesture as a demonstration of confidence in students and an investment in their future.
She commended the Alex Otti Foundation Committee, the organising team and the selection panel for their dedication to the scholarship programme.
The occasion was attended by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, other top government officials, captains of industry, and the parents and families of the beneficiaries.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
October 17, 2026.
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