The newly elected President of All Africa Students Union (AASU) and first Nigerian to clinch the position, Comrade Osisiogu Enyinnaya says that he leveraged on the unprecedented achievements of Governor Alex Otti to win the All African Students Presidency.
The Abia born Comrade Osisiogu Enyinnaya stated this on Wednesday, December 10th, when he led a delegation of the newly elected officials of All Africa Students Union to visit Governor Alex Otti in his office.
He told Governor Otti that he campaigned with his projects and achievements, particularly, the Governor’s commitments and investment in the education sector.
“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 Osisiogu stated.
Comrade Enyinnaya, who said that he came to present himself to the Governor having emerged the first Nigerian to be so elected to the office since the establishment of the union in the early 1970s.
He 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 posed to invest a whopping over $150 million in education for next year”, Comrade Enyinnaya stated.
Receiving the Abia born All-African Students’ Union President-elect, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti restated that his administration remains committed to delivering on its manifesto, especially in the education sector.
Governor Otti, who described education as the fulcrum for societal development, emphasized that Abia’s aggressive investments in education were intentional and future-driven, adding that his administration has in the last two years dedicated 20% of its budget to education.
“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 democratize 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 realization 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.
Some top government officials including, the Honourable Commissioners for arts, culture and creative economy, Dr. Mat Ekwuribe, Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Dr. Emeka Enyiazu Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs, Special Assistant on Sports among others were present in the meeting.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
10 – 12 – 2025.