There was excitement and jubilation among students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), as the institution commenced the refund of school fees paid by students before the disbursement of funds under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

The development followed a directive by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, that students who had paid their school fees before receiving their NELFUND loans should be refunded.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with MOUAU UPDATE confirmed that they had received their refunds and expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for keeping her promise to the students.

A graduate of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Onu Edith Amarachukwu, said she received her refund on July 28, 2026, describing the development as a welcome relief.

“I am very happy. I had planned to use the money for something important. I thank God and the Vice-Chancellor for making this possible,” she said.

Similarly, Ikechi Divine, a 500 Level student of Chemical Engineering, said he had almost lost hope of receiving the refund.

“I nearly lost hope that the refund would not come. May God bless our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, for fulfilling her promise in less than one week,” he said.

For Samuel Onyeka Ozondiniru, a 300 Level Civil Engineering student, the refund demonstrated the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to the welfare of students.

“The Vice-Chancellor has truly shown that she is a mother. She kept her promise, and this has restored the confidence of many students. We are grateful for this kind gesture,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor had announced the refund initiative during the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Students’ Union Government (SUG) last week.

Prof. Akanwa disclosed that she had directed the University Bursar to immediately process refunds for students who had paid their school fees before the Federal Government disbursed their NELFUND loans.

According to her, the decision was aimed at ensuring that students who had already paid their fees did not lose the financial benefit provided under the education loan scheme.

The commencement of the refunds has therefore been welcomed by beneficiaries as a demonstration of the University’s responsiveness to students’ concerns and commitment to their welfare.

For many of the affected students, the refund is not only financial relief but also a fulfilment of the assurance given by the Vice-Chancellor that they would not be disadvantaged for paying their fees before the arrival of their NELFUND funds.

Abia State has taken another bold step in its education transformation agenda as Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, officially commissioned the state’s second Smart School at Umuomaiukwu, Nsulu, in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a future driven by knowledge, innovation and technology.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, attracted dignitaries from across the country, including internationally acclaimed author, academic and poet Prof. Okey Ndibe, government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and members of the host community.

Addressing the pupils, Governor Otti challenged them to take full advantage of the state-of-the-art learning environment, stressing that the government has removed every financial barrier to quality education.

“You have no excuse not to do well in your academics. Education is a sure foundation for fulfilment. Study harder than anyone else, ask questions, open your minds to learning and let nothing hold you back. You do not have to worry about school fees because everything has been provided free of charge by the government,” the Governor declared.

He emphasized that education remains the greatest investment any government can make, describing the Smart School initiative as a strategic platform for raising a new generation of innovators, problem-solvers and global leaders.

Governor Otti announced that exceptional academic performance in the Smart Schools would attract local and international scholarship opportunities, alongside other incentives designed to reward excellence.

According to him, merit, discipline and academic achievement will continue to receive recognition under his administration.

The Governor explained that Abia’s Smart Schools go beyond conventional classrooms by creating an environment that encourages creativity, innovation and experiential learning.

Each facility is equipped with modern educational technologies, including:

• 24-hour internet connectivity
• CCTV surveillance systems
• Digital learning infrastructure
• Technology-enabled classrooms
• Safe and secure learning environment

Governor Otti also warned against vandalism of public infrastructure, stating that anyone found destroying government property would face the full weight of the law.

Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Okey Ndibe, praised Governor Otti’s transformational leadership, describing him as a leader whose record of excellence predates his emergence as Governor.

He noted that the Governor’s academic brilliance, successful banking career and disciplined leadership style have translated into purposeful governance for the people of Abia State.

Prof. Ndibe stressed that investment in education remains the greatest investment any society can make, applauding Governor Otti for laying a solid foundation for sustainable development through quality education and human capital development.

He urged Abians to continue supporting purposeful leadership that prioritizes long-term development over short-term gains.

The Member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, Hon. Collins Iheonunekwu, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, described the Smart School project as a transformational investment that will improve educational outcomes and prepare Abia children to compete globally.

They assured Governor Otti that the people of Nsulu and Isiala Ngwa North appreciate the administration’s developmental strides and would continue to support its vision.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, described the commissioning as another landmark achievement in Abia’s education reform programme.

According to him, the Smart School model integrates cutting-edge technologies such as:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Virtual Reality (VR)
• Adaptive Learning Systems
• Renewable Energy Solutions
• Digital Learning Platforms

These innovations, he said, are designed to prepare pupils for the demands of the 21st-century global economy.

Providing an overview of the project, Mrs. Lydia Ezihe Onuoha, Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), described the initiative as a paradigm shift in public education.

She explained that the schools are designed to deliver inclusive, technology-driven education while promoting sustainability through proper maintenance and community ownership.

Mrs. Onuoha also disclosed that the facility includes a dedicated girls’ support room, providing privacy and essential care for female pupils during menstruation—a feature aimed at promoting dignity, inclusiveness and uninterrupted learning.

Speaking during the ceremony, Chief Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, Managing Director of Blue Giraffe, said the Umuomaiukwu Smart School has capacity for more than 300 pupils and is fully internet-enabled.

She commended Governor Otti for embracing the Smart School concept after previously commissioning a privately developed model and for replicating it across Abia to benefit public school children.

The commissioning of the second Smart School reinforces Governor Alex Otti’s vision of transforming Abia into a leading centre for educational excellence through innovation, technology and equitable access to quality learning.

As the state continues to invest in world-class educational infrastructure, the Smart School initiative is expected to produce digitally skilled learners equipped to compete globally while strengthening Abia’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing education reform states.

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has strengthened basic education in Kano State with the delivery of nearly 4,000 classrooms, while commending the state government for recruiting more than 16,000 teachers to improve learning outcomes.

The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, made this known during an official visit to Kano alongside the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

During the visit, the delegation inspected UBEC-funded education projects and witnessed the presentation of appointment letters to the newly recruited teachers.

Dr. Garba explained that the construction of thousands of classrooms is aimed at expanding access to quality basic education by providing safer and more conducive learning environments for pupils. She noted that improved infrastructure has the potential to increase school enrolment, reduce dropout rates, and enhance academic performance.

However, she emphasized that modern classrooms alone cannot transform education without qualified teachers.

Describing Kano State’s recruitment of over 16,000 teachers as one of the largest investments in basic education in Nigeria, Garba said the exercise would help address the shortage of teachers, particularly in rural and underserved communities, while improving the quality of teaching across the state.

She noted that Nigeria continues to experience a significant shortage of teachers, making sustained investment in the education workforce essential for achieving better learning outcomes.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to education under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Garba said every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education regardless of location.

“The directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is clear. No child should be left behind. Every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education. Even where classrooms exist, without teachers, children cannot learn. That is why investments in teachers are investments in the future of our nation,” she said.

According to the UBEC Executive Secretary, every appointment letter issued to the newly recruited teachers represents renewed hope for thousands of pupils whose future depends on access to quality teaching.

She also highlighted the global teacher shortage, noting that UNESCO estimates more than 44 million additional teachers are needed worldwide. She said Kano State’s recruitment initiative demonstrates a practical response to this challenge and positions the state among governments taking concrete steps to strengthen education.

Garba commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for prioritizing education and praised the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, for driving reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s education sector.

She stressed that collaboration between the Federal Government, UBEC, and state governments remains vital to achieving inclusive, equitable, and quality education nationwide.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Malam Yusuf Kabir, disclosed that the teacher recruitment exercise followed a transparent and merit-based process. He explained that the implementation of the Kano State Teacher Policy, including aptitude tests and rigorous assessments, ensured that only qualified candidates were employed.

Kabir emphasized that recruitment alone is not enough, noting that effective deployment, continuous training, supervision, mentoring, and performance evaluation are necessary to improve classroom learning.

He assured that the newly recruited teachers would be posted to schools where they are most needed and that robust monitoring mechanisms would be put in place to maintain high teaching standards.

The SUBEB chairman also called on communities, traditional institutions, development partners, and the private sector to support government efforts, stressing that sustainable improvements in education require collective responsibility.

UBEC reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with state governments across Nigeria to expand access to quality basic education through continued investments in school infrastructure, teacher development, and learner-focused interventions.

Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rewarding excellence as he officially received and honoured Master Michael Offorkaile, the Abia-born student who scored 367 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), emerging as the fifth-highest scorer nationwide.

The reception, held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the Governor’s Office in Umuahia, brought together the outstanding student, his parents, and the management of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Oba, Anambra State, where he completed his secondary education.

Describing the achievement as a source of pride for Abia State, Governor Otti said his administration is firmly rooted in meritocracy and will continue to celebrate individuals whose excellence projects the state positively.

“We don’t take this for granted. The whole idea is to celebrate our own when they do well. As a government founded on meritocracy, we will continue to celebrate people who excel,” the Governor said.

He added that celebrating outstanding performers would inspire younger generations to pursue academic excellence with the assurance that hard work and achievement will always receive recognition.

Governor Orders Scholarship Support

Beyond the commendation, Governor Otti directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, to immediately work out the details of government support for the brilliant student as he prepares to begin his university education.

He also instructed the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Dodoh Okafor, to liaise with the student’s family to facilitate the implementation of the support package.

The Governor encouraged Master Offorkaile not to see his exceptional UTME performance as the final destination but as the foundation for even greater academic accomplishments.

According to him, the real challenge begins at the university, where sustained excellence will define the young scholar’s future.

Search for the Top Scorer

Speaking during the presentation, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, revealed that Governor Otti had personally directed her ministry to locate the exceptional student and bring him to Abia for official recognition.

She noted that identifying and reaching him was not an easy task because Grundtvig International Secondary School maintains strict privacy and administrative protocols. She commended the institution for its discipline and congratulated both the school and the student on the remarkable accomplishment.

“We Expected Nothing Less”

The Principal of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Mr. Ige Bello, alongside the student’s father, Mr. Odinaka Offorkaile from Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, said Michael’s outstanding UTME performance did not come as a surprise.

They described him as an exceptionally brilliant student with an impressive academic record and thanked Governor Otti for recognising academic excellence and for prioritising quality education in Abia State.

“Governor Otti Is My Role Model”

An emotional Master Michael Offorkaile expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for the honour extended to him, his family, and his school.

Describing the Governor as his role model, the young scholar pledged to remain focused on his academic journey while inspiring other students across Abia State and Nigeria to pursue excellence.

“I will continue to perform, keep inspiring and encouraging students from Abia and Nigeria,” he said.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the school’s official yearbook to Governor Otti by the school principal, while members of the Abia State Executive Council witnessed the ceremony.

A Strong Message on Merit

Governor Otti’s recognition of Master Michael Offorkaile sends a clear message that excellence remains a cornerstone of his administration. By celebrating exceptional young talents and backing them with practical support, the Abia State Government is reinforcing a culture where hard work, discipline, and academic achievement are not only acknowledged but also rewarded.

Such initiatives are expected to motivate thousands of young Abians to strive for excellence, knowing that exceptional performance will always find recognition at home.

The Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu (ASCETA) is in a celebratory mood following the outstanding national recognition of two of its brilliant female academics at the 2026 African Forum for Innovative Teachers (AFFiT) National Women in Education Awards.

A Triumph of Excellence and Dedication

Out of five exceptional women nominated by ASCETA, two stars — Dr. Angela Ifeanacho and Dr. Onuoha-Oju, Joy Chinazamiheniile — successfully passed the rigorous national screening and interview conducted by the Director-General of AFFiT, Dr. Ogah Emmanuel.

Their brilliance earned them a coveted invitation to the grand finale held on 11th July, 2026 at the Federal College of Education, Zuba, Abuja.

What is AFFiT?

The African Forum for Innovative Teachers (AFFiT) is a flagship initiative of the Standtall Africa Initiative, recognized by the Federal Ministry of Education. It is dedicated to building outstanding African teachers through leadership, research, innovation, and professional development. To date, AFFiT has trained over 55,000 educators, awarded 100 PhD scholarships, and supported over 2,000 teachers to launch educational initiatives across the continent.

Historic Honours for ASCETA Lecturers

At the Abuja ceremony, both ASCETA lecturers were decorated with two prestigious titles:
They were appointed as Pioneer Members of the African Women in Research, Education and Leadership Advancement Project (AWIRELAP) Implementation Committee and inducted as AFFiT Research Fellows.

As AFFiT Ambassadors in ASCETA, they will champion research, innovation, leadership, and professional development among lecturers, researchers, and student-teachers.

More Glory: Dr. Onuoha Clinches National Prize

Adding extra sparkle to the celebration, Dr. Onuoha-Oju, Joy Chinazamiheniile emerged as one of the Third Prize Winners of the 2026 AFFiT National Women in Education Award.

She walked away with a ₦100,000 cash prize, automatic appointment into the AWIRELAP Committee, priority consideration for AFFiT research grants, and exclusive opportunities for international conferences, collaborations, mentorship, and leadership programmes.

Why This Matters

This double victory is a powerful reflection of ASCETA’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, research, and gender-inclusive innovation. It proves that the College is not just training teachers, but raising national leaders in education.

A big congratulations to Dr. Angela Ifeanacho and Dr. Onuoha-Oju, Joy Chinazamiheniile for making ASCETA and Abia State proud!

Nigeria has once again demonstrated its academic excellence on the global stage as two young pupils secured gold medals at the 2026 International STEM Olympiad Grand Finale held in Rome, Italy.

The prestigious competition, which attracted outstanding students from more than 150 countries, featured contests in Mathematics, Science, Technology and Engineering (STEM), providing a platform for some of the world’s brightest young minds to showcase their abilities.

Leading Nigeria’s remarkable performance was Don Anele Munachimso, who won the Gold Medal in Science, while Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan claimed the Gold Medal in Mathematics and was crowned the World’s Best in Mathematics (Primary Category).

The outstanding achievement followed the duo’s impressive performance at the Southeast Mathematics Olympiad, where they earned qualification to represent Nigeria at the international grand finale.

Their success has been celebrated as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s education sector, highlighting the immense potential of young Nigerian students when given access to quality education, mentorship and opportunities to compete internationally.

Education stakeholders say the victory reinforces the importance of investing in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to prepare the next generation for innovation and global competitiveness.

The feat has also strengthened Nigeria’s growing reputation for producing exceptional young talents capable of competing with the very best from around the world.

Following the announcement of the results, educators, parents and well-wishers across the country congratulated the young champions, describing their accomplishment as a proud moment for Nigeria and an inspiration to other students aspiring to excel in STEM disciplines.

Their historic performance serves as a reminder that with the right support, Nigerian children can continue to make the nation proud on the global academic stage.

A 33-year-old Abia State-born engineer, Moses Maduka, has achieved an extraordinary academic milestone after graduating as the overall best graduating student from South Ural National Research University in Russia with a perfect 5.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA).

The outstanding achievement earned Maduka the prestigious Red Diploma, the highest academic honour awarded in the Russian higher education system to graduates who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence throughout their studies.

Maduka, an indigene of Umundara Ahuwa Oboro in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, completed his Master’s degree in Mechatronics and Robotics with a specialization in Mechatronics, distinguishing himself among his peers through exceptional academic performance.

His latest accomplishment builds on an already impressive academic record. Before commencing his master’s programme, he had graduated with a First Class Bachelor’s degree, recording a remarkable 4.5 GPA.

According to his official academic transcript, Maduka excelled in several advanced engineering and automation courses, including Supercomputer Modeling of Mechatronic Systems, SCADA Systems in Automated Production, and Hydraulic Elements in Mechatronics, earning excellent grades across virtually all his coursework.

One of the highlights of his academic journey was his master’s thesis titled, “Development of a Robotic System for Emotion Recognition from the Face.” The research, which explores the application of artificial intelligence and robotics in facial emotion recognition, received commendation from the university’s State Examination Commission and reflects his growing expertise in cutting-edge technologies.

Maduka’s achievement has been widely celebrated as a testament to academic excellence, perseverance, and the immense potential of Nigerian students on the global stage. His success also brings honour to Abia State, particularly the people of Ikwuano, while serving as an inspiration to young engineers and students aspiring to make a global impact through innovation and education.

As advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation continue to shape the future, Maduka’s accomplishment positions him among the emerging generation of African engineers poised to contribute meaningfully to technological development worldwide.

Abia State played host to students, youth leaders and stakeholders from across Nigeria’s nine Niger Delta states as an Abia-born student leader, Comrade Wisdom Adighibe, was inaugurated as the Global President of the Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG).

The colourful ceremony, which attracted a large gathering of delegates from the region, marked the swearing-in of the newly elected NIDSUG Global Executive Council and underscored the growing role of student leadership in regional development.

Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Students’ Affairs, Chinedu Nwosu, delivered both a goodwill message and keynote address on the theme, “Igniting and Raising Visionary Leadership: Transforming the Future of the Niger Delta.”

Nwosu challenged the new leadership and members of the union to embrace what he described as the “3Ts Framework of Leadership”—Time, Treasure and Talent—as the foundation for effective leadership and sustainable development.

According to him, visionary leaders must be intentional with their time, accountable in managing resources, and committed to discovering and deploying their talents in service to society.

He stressed that these values are essential for building responsible leaders capable of transforming the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

The Governor’s aide also expressed concern over the rising prevalence of drug and substance abuse among young people, warning that the menace poses a serious threat to leadership development and national progress.

“The effective management of these 3Ts can only be sustained when we put the prevalence of drug and substance abuse in check. A generation that is addicted cannot lead, and a future that is intoxicated cannot be transformed,” he said.

Nwosu congratulated the newly inaugurated Global President, Comrade Wisdom Adighibe, and the entire executive team, assuring them of the support of the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti as they work to foster unity and raise a new generation of visionary leaders across the Niger Delta.

The inauguration further highlighted Abia State’s growing reputation as a destination for youth engagement and leadership development, bringing together student representatives and stakeholders from the nine Niger Delta states in a celebration of unity, service and purposeful leadership.

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu has charged the Governing Council and Management of the Abia State University, Uturu, to take firm stance against the cult activities of its students and other social vices that negate the philosophy of academic excellence and moral standards.

The Deputy Governor gave the charge during a security consultative meeting with the Governing Council and Management of Abia State University, Uturu, in his Office at Government House, Umuahia. He frowned at the unchecked acts of cultism in and around the university. This he said, manifest significantly in the rising insecurity plunging the institution.

He called on them to roll their sleeves, and develop a whistle-blower policy aimed at combatting cultism in the institution and communities by encouraging safe, anonymous reporting of cult-related activities. This he said, will empower stakeholders to speak out without fear of retaliation, thereby promoting a culture of safety, and peaceful learning environment.

He recalled the role of the Man O’ War in higher institutions, with particular reference to FUTO, urged the ABSU Governing Council and Management to adopt the FUTO model where their presence are felt in the university environment and all students hostels outside the campus. He charged them to revive and strengthen the Man O’ War organisation to support internal security, including within surrounding communities.

Furthermore, he called for parental accountability of their wards studying in the institution, stating that parents or guardians should be made to indemnify their wards against cultism, examination malpractice and drug abuse as it will create consciousness in the student to be better behaved to avoid expulsion.

Emetu conveyed Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to standardizing the university, and ensuring safety and stability in all educational institutions across the state. He assured them that government through ministry of works will visit and assess the border road between Imo and Abia for quick intervention as well as the rebuilding of the dilapidated perimeter fence around the university.

In their separate speeches, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Abia State University Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu Ph.D., and the Acting Vice Chancellor, Dist. Prof. E. I. Akubugwo thanked the Governor for coming to the rescue of the institution as it had become isolated before the current administration came into office.

They highlighted the reconstruction and building of new hostels, academic blocks, waiver for employment to meet up with accreditation of some newly introduced courses as a testament to the commitment of Governor Otti’s quest for academic excellence in the institution. They pleaded with the state government to come to their aid in the areas of boarder road rehabilitation and restoration of 24 hours security within and around the university.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, FCA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, ABSU Governing Council Board Member, Chief Elelenta N. Elele, Registrar ABSU, Dr. Acho Elendu, Dean Student Affairs ABSU, Prof Dick Uduma and the Chief Security Officer ABSU, Mr. Chinonye Ugwa, were present during the meeting.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, KSJI Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State July 22, 2025.