The newly elected President of the All Africa Students Union (AASU), Comrade Osisiogu Enyinnaya has said the progress in Abia helped him win the continental election.
Comrade Enyinnaya stated on Wednesday night when he led a delegation of the newly elected officials of All Africa Students Union to visit Governor Alex Otti in his office.
Enyinnaya, who is the first Nigerian to hold the position since the union began in the early 1970s, told the Governor that he promoted Abia’s reforms throughout his campaign. He highlighted the state plans to build accommodation for about twenty thousand students in the next budget year.
He pointed to the relocation of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic to its permanent site. He also noted improvements in Abia State University. He praised the state’s move to offer courses in cyber security and artificial intelligence, saying these steps shaped his message on the need for better education systems across Africa.
He said the state’s progress gave him confidence during his visits to forty three African countries. He told the Governor that Abia’s planned investment of over one hundred and fifty million dollars in education next year strengthened his message at global forums.
“Your Excellency, one of those reasons is because I campaigned vigorously around what we want to do about education in Africa.
“I come from a State where the government is willing to provide accommodation for close to 20,000 students in next year’s budget.
“I come from a State where the Governor is committed to moving the State Owned Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic (formerly Abia State Polytechnic) to its permanent site, and of course a lot of development strides in Abia State University.
“I am aware of very ambitious investment in education infrastructure, so much so that even the State is going to be leading others in offering courses like cyber security and artificial intelligence, even in Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic”, Comrade Enyinnaya stated.
He also appreciated the developmental contributions of Governor Otti in the 30 months and thanked him for his achievements in Abia State.
In his words, “somebody who comes from a State like this would be able to speak very proudly at a global forum, asking that African governments must invest better in education.
“I campaigned vigorously on our commitment to seeing that governments in Africa, at all levels, even sub-national governments, like State governments like Abia, should invest more in education.
“I’m very happy and proud to identify with your administration, because you have made me proud, and those things you have done successfully contributed to my winning this election at the continental level.
“So, this is us thanking you for everything you have done in Abia, for actually lifting our heads high today to say that we are from Abia State.
“In all of the 43 countries of Africa I have visited, especially during campaigns, I have also said that I come from a State that is poised to invest a whopping over $150 million in education for next year”, Comrade Enyinnaya stated.
Governor Otti welcomed the delegation and restated his commitment to education. He said his administration sets aside twenty percent of the budget for education because it drives every sector. He said the removal of school fees was designed to give equal access to learning for all families.
Otti spoke about his inspection of Abia State University hostel blocks and explained that the state has already started repairs. He congratulated the AASU President-elect and promised full support. He urged the new executives to stay focused and defend the values that earned them continental trust.
“We had said clearly that education is the fulcrum of this administration, and the truth about it is that without education, we wouldn’t even be here.
“Education is so critical. And when we decided to remove school fees, we wanted to democratise education and make it possible for the big man’s children and the small man’s children to have an opportunity to go to school and go to good schools.
“In the last two years, we have dedicated 20% of our budget to education. It’s also in realisation of the fact that it is the most important industry and the industry that feeds other industries” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti recalled his recent visit to Abia State University, Uturu, where he found hostel facilities in deplorable condition, and noted that his government sprung into action prompting immediate intervention.
The State Chief Executive, who congratulated AASU President-elect, encouraged the new elected officials
to remain steadfast in the values that earned him the continental confidence and pledged full support of the State Government throughout his tenure.
Several government officials attended the meeting, including the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, the Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, and aides on student affairs and sports..
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