“When You Think That You Have Arrived… Just Visit a Hospital, You Will Come Out Humbled” — Otti Tells Scholars, Raises His Foundation Scholarship to ₦350,000, Rewards Six First-Class Graduates with ₦500,000 Each

…as the Event Celebrated 81 Newly Inducted Scholars Into the Foundation’s Scholarship Programme

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has increased the annual scholarship award of the Alex Otti Foundation (AOF) from ₦250,000 to ₦350,000 per beneficiary, while rewarding six outstanding first-class graduates with ₦500,000 each in recognition of their exceptional academic achievements.

The announcement, made on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, during the Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Banquet, underscores Governor Otti’s continued commitment to educational advancement, academic excellence and the creation of opportunities for young people to achieve their full potential.

The event celebrated 81 newly inducted scholars into the Foundation’s scholarship programme, including six beneficiaries who distinguished themselves by graduating with First-Class Honours in their respective disciplines this year.

The scholarship increase represents a significant boost to the Foundation’s educational support initiative, particularly at a time when rising economic pressures have made it increasingly challenging for many families to meet the financial demands of higher education.

Governor Otti explained that the increment was necessary to respond to prevailing economic realities and ensure that beneficiaries receive more meaningful assistance throughout their academic journey. He consequently directed the Executive Secretary of the Foundation to extend the enhanced scholarship award to existing beneficiaries who are still pursuing their studies.

Beyond the financial increment, the Governor used the occasion to reaffirm the Foundation’s commitment to fairness, transparency and academic merit, stressing that the scholarship programme was designed to identify and support students based strictly on their academic performance rather than their political affiliations, family backgrounds or social connections.

“Once you qualify, you are taken. It doesn’t matter your political affiliation. We don’t want to know who your parents support or where you come from,” Governor Otti said.

His remarks reinforced the principle that educational opportunities should be accessible to deserving students regardless of their backgrounds, with academic excellence serving as the primary criterion for selection.

Governor Otti further explained that the Alex Otti Foundation, established in 2009, restructured its scholarship programme in 2019 to strengthen its processes, improve transparency and ensure that assistance reaches students who genuinely merit the opportunity.

Since then, the initiative has continued to provide financial support to young people pursuing higher education, helping them overcome financial obstacles and concentrate on their academic responsibilities.

The Governor also challenged the newly inducted scholars to draw inspiration from the achievements of the six first-class graduates, urging them to raise their academic standards and work towards producing even more outstanding results in subsequent years.

He reminded the beneficiaries that the opportunity they had received came with a responsibility to remain disciplined, humble, grateful and committed to their studies.

According to him, academic accomplishments should not become a source of arrogance but should inspire greater responsibility, compassion and a deeper appreciation of life’s opportunities.

To illustrate the importance of humility and gratitude, Governor Otti recounted his visit to injured police officers who had been attacked by hoodlums, as well as other patients receiving treatment at a hospital in Aba. He used the experience to remind the scholars that many people face difficult circumstances through no fault of their own and that such realities should inspire compassion rather than self-conceit.

The Governor encouraged people to make time to visit hospitals, explaining that witnessing the struggles of patients could offer a sobering perspective on life and help individuals appreciate the blessings they often take for granted.

“When you think that you have arrived, when you become self-conceited, when you become arrogant, don’t go too far, just visit a hospital, you will come out humbled.

“If you see what people are going through, out of no faults of theirs and things are getting very, very bad,“ Governor Otti added soberly.

His message to the scholars extended beyond academic performance, emphasising the importance of character, empathy and social responsibility in shaping individuals who can make meaningful contributions to their communities.

He urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity provided by the Foundation, acquire the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their chosen professions, and ultimately use their education to improve society.

Governor Otti also clarified that the Foundation’s activities were independent of political considerations and would continue to pursue its educational mission beyond his political career. He congratulated the beneficiaries on their achievements and wished them success as they advanced in their academic pursuits.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Alex Otti Foundation, Mr Chidiebere Nnanna, welcomed the 81 exceptional young men and women into the scholarship programme, describing the occasion as another important milestone in the Foundation’s sustained investment in education and human capital development.

Mr Nnanna disclosed that the latest cohort had brought the total number of scholars whose progress had been tracked since 2019 to 302, with more than 81 beneficiaries already having graduated.

He explained that the Foundation’s intervention was not limited to providing financial assistance but was designed to give young people the opportunity to pursue their educational ambitions, complete their programmes successfully, build sustainable careers and, where possible, advance to postgraduate studies.

According to him, the Foundation recognises that supporting students requires more than meeting immediate financial needs. It also involves preparing them for life after graduation and equipping them with the confidence, skills and opportunities necessary to navigate an increasingly competitive world.

He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to expanding its support framework through leadership development, career preparation and engagement with the changing demands of the world of work, ensuring that beneficiaries are better positioned to translate their education into productive careers.

The Executive Secretary attributed the programme’s achievements to the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of its founder, Governor Alex Otti, whose belief in education as a powerful instrument for overcoming poverty and ignorance continues to drive the initiative.

He congratulated the 2026 scholarship recipients, expressing confidence that they would excel in their studies, contribute meaningfully to society and become sources of inspiration and opportunity for others.

Speaking on behalf of the six first-class graduates, Miss Chizaram Okoronkwo, a graduate of the Faculty of Nursing Science at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Otti and the Alex Otti Foundation for the financial assistance she received throughout her academic journey.

She explained that the scholarship significantly eased her financial burden, allowing her to concentrate more effectively on her studies and pursue academic excellence.

Okoronkwo recalled that Governor Otti had increased the scholarship award from ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 in 2023, describing the gesture as a demonstration of confidence in students and a meaningful investment in their future.

She also commended the Alex Otti Foundation Committee, the organising team and the scholarship selection panel for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to sustaining the programme.

The 2026 Scholarship Banquet brought together prominent government officials, education stakeholders, industry leaders, parents and families to celebrate the achievements of the beneficiaries and reaffirm the importance of investing in young people’s futures.

Among those in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; members of the State Executive Council; members of the Abia State Legislature; other senior government officials; and captains of industry, including Chief James Ume (Ike Abam), alongside the parents and families of the scholarship beneficiaries.

With the increase to ₦350,000 per beneficiary and the special recognition of six first-class graduates, the Alex Otti Foundation has further strengthened its role in supporting academic achievement and expanding educational opportunities for deserving students.

The initiative reflects a broader understanding that investing in education is an investment in the future of society. By easing financial pressures, rewarding excellence and encouraging personal responsibility, the Foundation continues to create opportunities for young people to develop their abilities, pursue professional ambitions and contribute to the development of Abia State and Nigeria at large.