Governor Alex Otti has fulfilled his promise to support young achievers as he empowered 150 outstanding graduates of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba, formerly Abia Poly, with N1 million each to begin any business of their choice. The grant was given to three sets of Higher National Diploma graduates covering the 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 sessions. The Governor had first made this pledge during the last graduation ceremony of the institution, stating that the initiative was aimed at encouraging academic excellence and building the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The monetary support was formally disbursed at the institution’s auditorium. Speaking during the event, the Rector, Dr Christopher Kalu Okoro, praised Governor Otti for keeping to his word and described the gesture as the first of its kind in Nigeria. He stated that the programme was not politically motivated but targeted at empowering young people. According to him, “This is the first time in the history of our country that a state government will be giving out such amount of money, not for political reasons, but to empower young generation.”
He explained that the aim of the grant was to help students transition from academic study to business leadership, noting that each beneficiary had submitted a business proposal before selection. “The essence of this fund is to make students entrepreneurs,” he said. The Rector further clarified that applicants needed to have graduated with at least a 3.00 CGPA, representing upper credit, and must have completed their clearance and collected their certificates. “You don’t expect us to give you grants when you don’t have our certificates,” he told the audience.
Dr Okoro urged the beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly by focusing on their business plans. He cautioned against wasteful spending, saying, “This money is not for Brazilian hair, it’s not for bone straight, it’s not for Bet Naija. It is expected that this money will grow and make you a bigger person so that tomorrow, you can give back to society. It’s not a loan, it’s a grant for you to start up business and become better in life.”
In his remark, the Students Union Government President, Comrade Michael Maduka, described the gesture as unprecedented and inspiring. He applauded the Governor for fulfilling his promise, adding that it would encourage students to work harder and aim for excellence. “We are delighted that the Governor has today, fulfilled his promise, and it will motivate us to be more serious with our studies to enable us qualify in future,” he stated.
Some beneficiaries also shared their excitement. Joseph Egwuatu, a graduate of Accounting who currently runs a poultry accessory business, said the grant would help him expand. Another recipient, Cyril Emmanuel, who studied Business Administration, revealed that he intended to grow his shoe material business and create jobs. Emmanuel expressed his ambition to employ at least 10 youths in the near future as a way of giving back. Similarly, Harmony Nduka, a Mass Communication graduate involved in printing business, said she would invest in new equipment and expressed gratitude to the Governor and the school.
Earlier at a pre-convocation press briefing, the Rector outlined several achievements the institution had recorded under Governor Otti’s leadership. He announced that the school had introduced 17 new accredited programmes within the year, including courses in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Machatronics. He added that 14 existing courses, among them Mass Communication which lacked accreditation for 15 years, had now been approved.
The Rector also stated that the institution had abolished the issuance of statements of results and streamlined certificate processing, boasting that students now collect their certificates on their graduation day. According to him, over 30,000 certificates had been issued in less than two years.
Dr Okoro explained that he had stopped the sale of textbooks and handouts on campus, insisting that lecturers were hired to teach, not sell materials. He also made skill acquisition compulsory to ensure students were self-reliant. In addition, the Polytechnic’s Welding and Fabrication Department had taken on government contracts, producing doors for Abia public schools and buckets for Abia State Environmental Protection Agency.
He said this initiative had boosted the institution’s revenue and increased student enrolment in the department due to the financial incentives attached, as both students and staff involved in projects receive payments.
The Rector further highlighted Governor Otti’s support for infrastructure, including a 250-capacity lecture theatre, improved staff welfare, road asphalting, and clearance of salary arrears. He revealed that both academic and administrative activities would begin at the Osisioma permanent site by January 2026 following major construction works funded by the government. According to him, the Governor had approved the development of two 5000-capacity hostels for male and female students, and movement to the site would be done in phases.
As beneficiaries left the auditorium clutching their certificates and grant documents, the atmosphere was filled with optimism. Many expressed hope that the funds would change their lives, while school authorities and state representatives reiterated the need for accountability and innovation among young people.
The programme has set a precedent in youth support and education development, reinforcing the Governor’s drive for human capital investment and creating an environment where academic excellence is rewarded.
