…Foundation inducts 81 new scholars
By Steve Oko
UMUAHIA — Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has increased the annual scholarship award of the Alex Otti Foundation (AOF) from ₦250,000 to ₦350,000 per beneficiary and rewarded six first-class graduates with ₦500,000 each.
Otti announced the increase on Saturday at the Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Banquet, held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, where 81 new scholars were inducted into the programme.
The governor, who attributed the increase to prevailing economic realities, directed the Foundation to extend the new award to existing beneficiaries who were still in school.
He said the scholarship programme was strictly merit-based, stressing that political affiliation, family background and social connections played no role in selecting beneficiaries.
“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,” Otti said.
He challenged the beneficiaries to justify the investment in their education by striving for academic excellence and producing more first-class graduates in subsequent years.
The six beneficiaries who graduated with first-class honours this year received ₦500,000 each in recognition of their academic achievements.
Otti urged the scholars to remain humble, grateful and committed to their studies, warning them against arrogance and a sense of entitlement.
He recounted his visit to injured police officers attacked by hoodlums and other patients receiving treatment at a hospital in Aba, saying the experience reminded him of the difficult circumstances many people faced through no fault of their own.
“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,” he said.
The governor urged the students to appreciate the opportunity provided by the Foundation and use their education to make meaningful contributions to society.
He also stressed that the Foundation’s activities were independent of politics and would continue beyond his political career.
Foundation tracks 302 scholars
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Foundation, Chidiebere Nnanna, said the induction of the 81 new beneficiaries brought to 302 the number of scholars whose progress had been tracked since 2019.
He disclosed that more than 81 beneficiaries had already graduated, describing the initiative as an investment in the future of young people rather than mere financial assistance.
According to him, the Foundation aims to help beneficiaries complete their education, build careers and pursue higher degrees, while expanding opportunities for leadership development and career preparation.
Nnanna attributed the programme’s progress to the commitment of its founder, Otti, whom he described as a firm believer in education as a tool for overcoming poverty and ignorance.
He congratulated the new scholars and expressed confidence that they would excel academically and become sources of inspiration and opportunities for others.
Speaking on behalf of the six first-class graduates, Chizaram Okoronkwo, a graduate of the Faculty of Nursing Science at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, thanked Otti and the Foundation for their financial support.
She said the scholarship had eased her financial burden and enabled her to concentrate on her studies.
Okoronkwo recalled that the governor increased the scholarship award from ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 in 2023, describing the latest increase as another demonstration of confidence in students and investment in their future.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu; government officials; captains of industry; and parents and families of the beneficiaries.
The post Otti raises scholarship award to ₦350,000, rewards six first-class graduates appeared first on Vanguard News.