Alex Otti Raises Annual Scholarship to ₦350,000, Gives First-Class Graduates ₦500,000 Each

UMUAHIA — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has raised the annual scholarship allowance provided by the Alex Otti Foundation from ₦250,000 to ₦350,000 per student, while awarding ₦500,000 each to six beneficiaries who graduated with first-class honours.

The governor announced the new scholarship amount on Saturday at the Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Banquet, held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia. The ceremony also featured the induction of 81 new scholars into the programme.

Explaining the decision, Otti said the increase was necessary in view of prevailing economic conditions. He also instructed the Foundation to apply the revised amount to current beneficiaries who had yet to complete their studies.

The governor reiterated that admission into the scholarship programme was determined solely by merit, without consideration for political loyalty, family background or personal connections.

“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,” he said.

Otti challenged the students to make the most of the educational support by maintaining high academic standards and striving to achieve first-class honours.

Six graduates who earned first-class degrees this year were presented with ₦500,000 each as recognition of their academic accomplishments.

The governor also counselled the beneficiaries to approach their education with humility, gratitude and dedication, warning against arrogance and entitlement.

He illustrated his message by recalling a visit to injured police officers who had been attacked by hoodlums, as well as other patients receiving treatment at a hospital in Aba. According to him, the visit offered a reminder of the hardships people face through circumstances beyond their control.

“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,” Otti said.

He urged the students to value the opportunity given to them and channel their education towards making positive contributions to society.

Otti further stressed that the Foundation was not a political platform and that its programmes would continue regardless of his political future.

81 new beneficiaries bring tracked scholars to 302

In his remarks, the Foundation’s Executive Secretary, Chidiebere Nnanna, said the latest induction brought to 302 the number of scholars whose academic progress had been tracked since the programme began in 2019.

He disclosed that more than 81 beneficiaries had graduated, describing the scholarship scheme as a long-term investment in young people rather than merely the provision of financial aid.

Nnanna explained that the Foundation was committed to helping students complete their education, establish careers and pursue advanced degrees. It also seeks to expand access to leadership development and career-readiness opportunities.

He credited the programme’s achievements to Otti’s commitment to education, describing the governor as a firm believer in its power to combat poverty and ignorance.

Congratulating the new beneficiaries, the executive secretary expressed optimism that they would achieve academic success and become role models who could inspire and create opportunities for others.

Representing the six first-class graduates, Chizaram Okoronkwo, who graduated from the Faculty of Nursing Science at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra State, expressed appreciation to Otti and the Foundation for supporting her education.

She said the scholarship had eased her financial challenges and enabled her to focus on her academic work.

Okoronkwo also recalled that the governor raised the scholarship award from ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 in 2023, saying the latest adjustment further demonstrated the Foundation’s belief in students and its commitment to investing in their future.

Those present at the event included Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, government officials, captains of industry, and the parents and families of the scholarship beneficiaries.

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