For families choosing between private and public schools, confidence is everything. In Abia State, that confidence appears to be shifting fast.
Governor Alex Otti says enrolment in public schools has jumped from 117,000 to over 300,000 students in just one year, a surge he links to reforms in the education sector.
The governor disclosed this on Thursday during the January edition of his monthly media briefing, “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians,” held at the Government House in Umuahia.
According to Otti, the increase reflects renewed trust in public education following changes introduced by his administration.
“That’s exactly the kind of result we expect. It’s good news,” the governor said.
He added that the recruitment of 4,000 additional teachers is currently ongoing, noting that the government is paying close attention to ensure a smooth process.
For students in tertiary institutions, Otti said improvements are also underway. He confirmed that renovation and reconstruction works are ongoing at Abia State University and the Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, including hostels and office spaces.
“The renovation, rebuilding and retrofitting of hostels and offices are still ongoing,” he said.
Beyond education, the governor highlighted infrastructure projects nearing completion, including the Omenuko Bridge and the Abam–Okobo–Amuvi–Arochukwu Road, while reconstruction of Uratta Road and the Old Express Road is expected to begin soon as part of efforts to fully revive Aba.
He also announced plans to build pocket layout housing estates in Mbaisii, Mgbarakuma, and Ubakala.
On tourism and hospitality, Otti said Abia is partnering with stakeholders to digitally register and rate hotels using GPS technology, making it easier for visitors to locate and compare accommodation.
“In the next few months, all the hotels in the state will be accessed using GPS,” he said.
The governor also revealed that a pilot biogas project is being launched at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, aimed at converting waste into renewable energy.
“This is a pilot programme. Instead of disposing waste, we can turn it into clean energy,” he said.
On healthcare, Otti said 200 primary healthcare centres under Project Ekwueme Phase One have been completed, with many already operational.
He added that over 600 health workers have been recruited, and a new general hospital is planned for Ndoki, Ukwa East.
He also noted progress on water projects, including the near-completion of the CKC Aba water project and ongoing schemes in Ariaria, Umuahia, and Arochukwu.
For students, parents, and young people watching closely, the surge in public school enrolment tells a broader story: when public education improves, people respond. Whether the momentum can be sustained will matter not just for enrolment numbers, but for the future of learning in Abia State.
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