GOV. OTTI HOSTS NIGERIA NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF WAEC IN UMUAHIA

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, received the Chairman and members of the Nigeria National Committee (NNC) of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) during a courtesy visit to the Abia State Government House, Umuahia. The Governor was ably represented by his Deputy, His Excellency Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor warmly welcomed the WAEC delegation to Abia State on behalf of the Governor, expressing delight that Abia, the heart of the South-East was chosen to host the Council’s highest policy-making body. He assured the visiting team of the government’s readiness to fully support WAEC in its activities, noting that Abia remains a state committed to excellence, openness, and partnerships that advance development.

Engr. Emetu emphasized Abia’s preparedness to key into global best practices as WAEC prepares to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) into its examination processes. He described the transition as a necessary step in aligning Nigeria’s education system with modern standards.

“As a government, we will play our part in ensuring that Abia students are fully prepared for every 21st-century innovation in testing and learning,” he said. “Abia is not a state that shies away from progress. We embrace it.”

He encouraged members of the delegation to use their free time to explore Aba and other parts of the state, assuring them that the development they have heard about is not mere social media exaggeration but a reality visible across the state.

“We are simply giving our people what they truly deserve,” he added, while wishing the WAEC team a pleasant and rewarding stay in Abia State.

Earlier in her address, the Chairman of the Nigeria National Committee of WAEC, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Otti for granting audience to the Committee. She noted that the NNC meeting, rotated annually across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones was brought to Abia State in recognition of the love Governor Otti has for education as seen in the allocation of 20% of the State’s 2025 budget to education, one of the highest in the country, and following the government’s acceptance of the hosting rights.

She described NCC as the highest decision making body of WAEC that implements curriculum designed by the Federal Government of Nigeria. She assured the Governor, that no candidate would be disenfranchised based on the newly introduced Computer Based Examinations.

Hajiya Abdulkadir praised the developmental strides of the Otti-led administration, especially in the education sector. She commended Abia’s remarkable infrastructural improvements, establishment of smart schools, and consistent investment in educational policy reforms, all of which reinforce Abia’s reputation as a centre of academic excellence.

She also highlighted the state’s rich educational heritage, noting that Abia has produced prominent national icons such as Dr. Alvan Ikoku, Capt. Chinyere Kalu, and Chief Arunma Oteh, and is home to many prestigious institutions of learning.

The NNC Chairman formally invited Governor Otti to the Formal Opening Ceremony of the NNC Meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025, where he is expected to present the WAEC Endowment Fund Book Prizes to the three best-performing Abia schools in the 2024 WASSCE for School Candidates.

In her vote of thanks, the Director of Administration of WAEC, Mrs. E. N. Onodu, appreciated the Governor for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the delegation. She applauded the visible transformational work across the state and reaffirmed Abia’s status as God’s Own State.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu was present during the visit.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, KSJI
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
Government House
Umuahia
19th November, 2025.