Gov. Otti Announces N100 Million Grant for 100 Graduating Students of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic as Institution Honours Late Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu with Posthumous Award

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has unveiled a N100 million empowerment package for 100 graduating students of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba. Each selected graduate will receive a N1 million grant, alongside a newly approved six-month field technical training programme for 200 students with proven technical skills. The announcement was made during the institution’s 22nd Convocation Ceremony on Friday, December 5th, where 2,178 students graduated.

Delivering his convocation address titled “Education as a Responsibility,” Governor Otti recalled his earlier pledge of N150 million in business support to 150 graduates during the combined 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24 convocation held last year. He confirmed that the funds have now been fully disbursed to qualified beneficiaries.

“I am happy that the exercise has been concluded and funds disbursed to those who met the strict qualification criteria. We will monitor their progress, and those who excel will receive further support,” he stated.

The Governor announced that another batch of 100 graduates will benefit from the newly approved N100 million grant. Only graduates who earned Distinctions are eligible to apply. Applicants are required to submit comprehensive business plans electronically to oggh@abiastate.gov.ng on or before December 31, 2025.

Beyond the grants, Governor Otti directed the Commissioners for Works, Housing, Power and Public Utilities, alongside the heads of the three regional development authorities, to design a six-month field training programme for 200 graduates with strong technical backgrounds. The programme aims to integrate young professionals into key state projects in road infrastructure, housing, electricity and public water systems.

“The days of allowing our brightest minds to wander off after graduation without support are gone,” Otti emphasized. “Students in all our tertiary institutions must understand that if they excel, we will provide them with the leverage they need to succeed right here in Abia.”

The Governor commended the management of the institution for the remarkable progress achieved in the last two years. He praised the infrastructural developments at the permanent site in Osisioma, which he said will be commissioned soon. He also applauded the Rector, Dr. C. K. Okoro, and his team for their commitment to the transformation agenda.

During the ceremony, Governor Otti presented a posthumous award to the family of the late Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the first civilian Governor of Abia State, whose vision led to the establishment of what was formerly known as Abia State Polytechnic. The institution was renamed Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic in his honour.

The Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Stanley Egege, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his consistent support, which he said has made the institution’s achievements possible.

Rector Dr. Christopher Kalu Okoro disclosed that the institution has held three convocations in the last 14 years, two of which took place within his 22-month administration under Governor Otti’s guidance. He noted that this is the first convocation since the name change, and highlighted that several organizations now request their students for internship and industrial training opportunities.

He also announced that all 31 academic programmes presented for accreditation successfully scaled through, a feat he described as unprecedented in Nigeria’s tertiary education history. Routine academic activities at the Osisioma campus will commence in January 2026, he added.

In their remarks, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, and the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Eme Uche Eme, praised the Governor for restoring integrity and excellence to the institution. The Speaker noted that examination malpractice has drastically reduced, while the Commissioner described the Polytechnic as “the pride of Abia State.”

The ceremony also featured awards for outstanding graduates. Nwosu Goodness Chimamanda, from the Department of Computer Science, emerged as the overall best graduating student with a CGPA of 3.94.

Governor Otti attended the event alongside Sen. Darlington Nwokocha; members of the State House of Assembly; the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu; the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; and other top government officials.