The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, received the Chairman and members of the Nigeria National Committee (NNC) of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) at the Abia State Government House, Umuahia, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, His Excellency Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, who warmly welcomed the WAEC delegation to Abia State. Dr Alex Otti, expressed delight that Abia, the heart of the South-East, was chosen to host the Council’s highest policy-making body, and assured the visiting team of the government’s readiness to fully support WAEC in its activities.

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

He reaffirmed the state commitment to education and development,emphasizing the openness to progress and initiatives that benefit the state.

“the government is committed to supporting education,ensuring students are prepared for exam and equipped for success”.

In her remark,Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir, Chairman of the Nigeria National Committee of WAEC, 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.

Hajiya Abdulkadir praised the developmental strides of the Otti-led administration, especially in the education sector, and commended Abia’s remarkable infrastructural improvements, establishment of smart schools, and consistent investment in educational policy reforms. She 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.

Also in his remark ,the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Kenechukwu Nwosu, lauded the Otti administration’s focus on education, stating that it empowers the populace and fuels the state’s advancement.
He expressed pride in Abia hosting the WAEC committee, attributing it to the government’s passion for education, which led to prompt approval and funding for the event.
“Notably, Abia tops the list in education budget allocation, dedicating 20% of its resources to the sector”.

While giving closing remark,the Director of Administration of WAEC, Mrs. E. N. Onodu, appreciated the Governor for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the delegation, applauding the visible transformational work across the state and reaffirming Abia’s status as God’s Own State.

The meeting which featured presentation of special gifts to the Governor by WAEC National Committee Team, had in attendance WAEC Nigeria National Committee Executives and the Management Team and also some Government appointees.