The spirit of intellectual engagement, academic excellence and educational advancement came alive in Umuahia as Vision Africa Radio 104.1FM, in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, held the 2025/2026 School Debate Prize Presentation Day, marking the 14th physical edition and 15th year of the highly celebrated academic competition.

The event, which attracted students, education stakeholders, government representatives, teachers and dignitaries from across the state, showcased the brilliance and critical thinking abilities of students who debated on the thought-provoking topic: “Is the grading system an accurate measure of a student’s intelligence?”

The competition, known for promoting healthy intellectual discourse among secondary school students, once again demonstrated the importance of education in shaping future leaders.

At the end of the keenly contested debate, Gradiel International School, Umuahia, emerged as the overall winner with an impressive 409 points, defeating other competing schools to clinch the prestigious first position.

University Demonstration School, Ihie Ndume, Umuahia, came second with 398 points, while Victorious Covenant High School, Aba, secured the third position after a commendable performance.

The atmosphere at the prize presentation ceremony was filled with excitement as students, teachers and supporters celebrated the achievements of the winning schools, reflecting the growing culture of academic competitiveness in Abia State.

Representing the wife of the Abia State Governor, Lady Priscilla Otti, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Chidera Emetu, graced the occasion and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting educational excellence and youth development.

Mrs. Priscilla Otti commended the President of Vision Africa Radio, Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, for sustaining the annual competition over the years, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to nurturing a generation of informed, responsible and academically driven young people.

According to her, education goes beyond examinations, grades and certificates, stressing that true learning should inspire curiosity, nurture creativity, build character and prepare young people to become responsible leaders and problem-solvers in society.

She further applauded the Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for its fruitful partnership with Vision Africa Radio, noting that the collaboration demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved when government institutions and private organizations work together toward the advancement of education.

Representing the chairman of the event and former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika, retired WAEC staff, Sir Kester Ekekwe, commended teachers for their dedication and sacrifice in nurturing students towards excellence.

Sir Ekekwe also applauded the panel of judges for what he described as their promptness, fairness and professionalism in delivering judgment throughout the competition.

He further appreciated Governor Dr. Alex Otti for the infrastructural transformation ongoing in Abia State, noting that improvements in public facilities contribute significantly to creating an enabling environment for quality education.

In an emotionally charged address, renowned cleric and peace advocate, Archbishop Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, expressed concern over the worsening insecurity affecting schools in parts of the country.

According to him, incidents of school abductions were minimal during the tenure of former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika, stressing that children deserve to learn in safe and secure environments.

Archbishop Onuoha passionately appealed to law enforcement agencies and political leaders to intensify efforts toward protecting schools and safeguarding the future of Nigerian children.

He lamented that insecurity has continued to rob many children of their fundamental right to education, insisting that every part of the country must be made safe for learning.

“Those in authority should ensure that students are protected and free to pursue their education without fear. Safety should never be denied to our children. Every part of this nation must become safe for learning,” he stressed.

The debate competition, stakeholders observed, has continued to serve as a veritable platform for discovering young talents, sharpening communication skills and promoting critical thinking among students in Abia State.

Many participants and guests described the event as a celebration of knowledge, discipline and the collective resolve to build a brighter future through education.

The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a brighter future for children through sustained investment in quality education, healthcare, child protection and opportunities that would enable them to become responsible and successful citizens.

The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, stated this during the 2026 Abia State Children’s Day Celebration held in Umuahia as part of activities marking the third anniversary of Governor Alex Otti’s transformational administration

Addressing children, parents, teachers, caregivers and dignitaries at the colourful event, Dr. Aghukwa described children as the pride of families, the hope of society and future leaders, stressing that their growth, protection and wellbeing remain a collective responsibility.

She expressed joy over the impressive turnout of children at the celebration, noting that the presence of bright, talented and cheerful pupils and students underscored the need for continued commitment toward nurturing and protecting the younger generation.

According to the Commissioner, the Otti-led administration has over the past three years demonstrated genuine concern for the welfare of children and families across the state through deliberate policies aimed at improving education, healthcare and the protection of children’s rights.
“As a government, we remain committed to creating a better future for every child in Abia State through quality education, healthcare, protection of children’s rights and the promotion of opportunities that will help them grow into responsible and successful citizens,” she stated.

Dr. Aghukwa explained that the Children’s Day celebration was not only a moment of fun and entertainment but also an opportunity to reaffirm the collective commitment of government, parents and stakeholders to raising children in an environment built on love, discipline, security and hope.

The Commissioner commended Governor Dr. Alex Otti for his visionary leadership and unrelenting dedication to the development of Abia State, noting that his administration has remained focused on policies that positively impact children and families.

She also applauded parents, teachers, caregivers and stakeholders for their sacrifices and contributions toward shaping the lives and future of children through guidance, mentorship and investment in education.
Speaking directly to the children, Dr. Aghukwa encouraged them to remain focused, respectful, hardworking and self-confident, urging them to dream big and remain committed to their education.

“Dream big, stay committed to your education, and always believe that you can achieve greatness,” she advised.

She expressed optimism that with sustained support and proper guidance, Abia children would grow into responsible leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
Dr. Aghukwa concluded by praying for God’s blessings upon the children, Abia State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while welcoming participants to what she described as a memorable and impactful celebration.

The Abia State Executive Council has set up a 5-man Special Investigative Committee to look into the recent allegations of harassment and extortion amongst Abia State University students and lecturers.

The Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu announced this on Monday, at Government House Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

He said that the committee was set up in the bid to ensure the highest level of academic and ethical standards in the state’s own tertiary institution.

According to the Commissioner, the committee, which has the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba as Chairman and SSA on Public Communication, Mr. Dodoh Okafor as Secretary has the following as its terms of reference;

“The identification of the perpetrator and to make appropriate recommendations to the Visitor to the university. Two, allegations of bribery against a lecturer, as well as allegations of forged certificates against the same lecturer.

“Three, to determine the extent of the implementation of the white paper on the 2024 full investigation panel to the university and to identify implementation gaps. Four, any other matter that may be relevant to the ongoing transformation and restoration of Abia State University as a citadel of learning and excellence in teaching and research,” Prince Kanu stated.

The committee, which has other members to include; Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, Professor Idowu Eluwa, and Professor Lawrence Idemudua, is equally expected to work hand-in-hand with the governing council of the university to carry out its assignment.

Prince Kanu disclosed that the 2026 Annual School Census has commenced across the state from Monday May 11th, 2026. “The exercise is designed to provide the State Minister of Basic and Secondary Education reliable data for planning, policy formulation, and full access into the Hope Education Intervention Grant,”

The exercise, he said, will cover schools across the three senatorial zones of the state and will run for one month.

Prince Kanu also revealed that the Abia State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education has so far established 140 learning centres across the state to provide educational opportunities for adults and individuals who missed formal education earlier in life.

He stated that, in furtherance of the education reform agenda of Governor Otti’s administration, the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board recently organised training and capacity-building programmes for 265 headteachers and 306 Early Childhood Care Development teachers to strengthen effective school management and improve learning outcomes.

The Commissioner further disclosed that ASEPA has commenced full enforcement of the use of waste bins in all commercial vehicles across the state to promote cleanliness and proper waste disposal habits among passengers.

He noted that the agency’s consistent efforts have contributed significantly to Abia’s growing reputation as one of the cleanest states in Nigeria.

Prince Kanu informed that in line with the road infrastructure efforts of the present administration, out 29 roads under contract, 3 has been completed and would be commissioned soon. These roads include; the 2.213 kilometres Umuogo-Nsukwe ring , 5.95 kilometres Dualization of Onuimo Bridge -Abia Tower Road and 11.5 kilometres Expansion/Reconstruction of Nunya-Eluama Road

He disclosed that while, out of 51 roads under Direct Labour, 5 roads have been recently completed and no new one is added to its maintenance basket. He listed the completed Direct Labour works to include; maintenance of failed sections of Osisioma Flyover (600 metres), maintenance of failed sections of Port Harcourt -Enugu Expressway to Ugwunagbo LGA Secretariat (5.2 kilometres), maintenance and asphalt overlay of Adaelu road from Osisioma Junction to Mopol Base, Aba (2.7 kilometres), construction of Oberete-Umuopara Road, Obingwa LGA (1.03 kilometres) and construction of Geometric Power to Guineas Junction, Aba (2.66 kilometres)

Prince Kanu further informed journalists that Governor Alex Otti recently paid a courtesy visit to the new World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Matthews Verghis, in Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen existing partnerships between the Abia state government and the World Bank.

He said the visit provided an opportunity for both parties to review ongoing collaborative programmes, while also exploring new areas of partnership capable of accelerating development in the state.

The Commissioner announced that the Abia state government will on Friday, May 15th, 2026, host Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, in celebration of his 85th birthday anniversary.

He explained that the Governor remains committed to promoting high ethical standards in public life and encouraging young people to emulate distinguished role models whose lives exemplify integrity, leadership, and service to society.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix noted that the EXCO appreciated the courtesy visit of the Governor to the Country Director of the World Bank and affirmed that conversations would continue with the World Bank to ensure Abia continues to benefit from its programmes .

She said, ” That the sectors of continuous partnership include; Energy, education, agriculture,ICT.among others, and these areas align with the vision of the Governor,” Mrs. Felix stated.

Also, the General Manager, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, Mazi Ogbonnia Okereke revealed that the agency was not enforcing the waste management policy from the point of revenue, but compliance with the environmental law.

He further disclosed that the agency was working on bringing public waste bins to those areas there are lacking, and enjoined Abia people and residents to continue to support the environmental policies of Governor Alex Otti.