Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has approved the payment of school fees for abandoned Abia students studying in an Indian university under scholarship.
This is as the Governor has approved the appointment of Mr Njoku Ukoha Njoku, as his new Chief Press Secretary.
He replaces the former CPS, Mr Kazie Uko.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who discloses this during a press conference in Umuahia, said that the affected students were abandoned by the previous administration.
The Commissioner said that the State Executive Council noted with concern, the case of the stranded Abia students studying in an Indian university, SRI SAI, who were abandoned by the previous administration in the state and approved that their fees be paid to enable them continue with their studies.
“Following His Excellency’s interest and the high premium he places on the education sector, quite a lot is happening in that sector. Recently there is this case of some Abia students who have been abandoned in an Indian University by the previous administration.
“His Excellency graciously approved that their fees be paid to enable them continue their education in the university in India.”
The information boss also revealed that the Governor has approved the payment of bursary to Abia students in various law schools in Nigeria.
“In the same vein, His Excellency approved payment of bursary to Abia students in different law schools in the country. Recall that once , we mentioned this to you that His Excellency has approved that those payments be made. It has actually been made now.”
The Commissioner went further to say that the governor has secured accreditation of 19 courses for the Abia State University, Uturu.
“Equally, through the untiring efforts of His Excellency, accreditation has been secured for 19 programmes for Abia State University, Uturu. This speaks to all the efforts he has been making to ensure that our educational sector turns out to be one of the best in the country.”
Prince Okey Kanu also said that the state governor approved the establishment of a Football Academy by an Abia born UK based footballer, Mr. Frank Onyeka. Mr Frank Onyeka who plays for Brentford football club in the English Premiership also plays for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. He said that the governor has directed the Ministry of Lands and Housing to process the certificate of occupancy for the project within 48 hours, disclosing that the project would be cited somewhere between Umuahia and Aba for accessibility.
“He (Onyeka) visited His Excellency with his dear wife and the Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed who was on hand to support Mr. Onyeka on the project.
“Dr. Ahmed has promised that he would lend every support to Mr. Onyeka to ensure the project succeeds.
“This is a way to encourage Mr. Onyeka, who is a proud son of Abia State and to let others know that if they have such viable projects that the state government will always be willing and ready to support them.”
On the replacement of the Governor’s CPS, the Commissioner explained that it was part of Governor Otti’s plan to rejig the media team of his administration, adding that Mr. Ukoha is renowned for his experience in advocacy and media management and would bring his expertise and passion for writing to bear.
“His Excellency in a bid to rejig the media team of his administration has approved the appointment of a new Chief Press Secretary. He brings a lot of experience in advocacy and media management to bear.”
Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Emeh Uche, the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor cum Senior Special Assistant on Sports, Mr. Chinedu Ekeke were present at the briefing.
