Abia State Govt. To Collaborate With The Anglican Church To Fix Ngwa High School – Gov. Otti, Reaffirms His Stance On Merit-Based Appointment In Public Service.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has announced his administrations plan to collaborate with the Anglican Church to ensure the effective management and operation of Ngwa High School, Aba. The governor made this disclosure on Saturday, March 8, 2025, while hosting the Old Boys Association of Ngwa High School, primarily composed of the 1982 and 1983 sets.
Governor Otti stated that the Abia State Government had already commenced rehabilitation work at Ngwa High School, focusing on key structures such as:
Pollard House
Engineering House
Administrative Block
Other essential buildings
He emphasized the importance of ensuring the school is well-managed, regardless of its ownership by the Anglican Church. According to the governor, discussions are ongoing with the church leadership to explore collaboration opportunities.
We intend to hold a discussion with the Anglican Church so that we can collaborate as a government to ensure that the school is effectively managed. If the school is not properly managed, people will look at us and ask, "What are the old boys doing?" -Gov. Otti
Governor Otti expressed concern over certain conditions he observed at the school, which prompted him to engage the Anglican Church in discussions regarding either government intervention or a full takeover. He revealed that the church was receptive to collaboration, and he looks forward to a meeting with the bishop to finalize plans.
Addressing members of the Ngwa High School Old Boys Association, Governor Otti reiterated that his administration strictly adheres to merit-based appointments in public service, dismissing any form of favoritism.
He highlighted the example of Mr. Nwaigwe Cyril Chibuike, Ph.D., Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, as an appointee who secured his position purely on merit.
Let me let the Permanent Secretary know that I didn't know that he went to Ngwa High School. Our appointments are strictly on merit. You remember that you wrote an exam, and because you passed, that is why you proceeded to the level of oral interview that ended with me, and you passed.
"If you didn't pass, whether you are from Ngwa High School or not, you would not have been made a permanent secretary. Everything we do is strictly on merit, and we do not discriminate. Once you have something to offer, the state has a need for you." -Gov. Otti
During the event, the Ngwa High School Old Boys (Class of 1983) attempted to present Governor Otti with an award, but he politely declined. He reaffirmed his commitment to not accepting any awards, chieftaincy titles, or honorary degrees during his tenure as governor. This stance aligns with Paragraph 44 of his inaugural speech in May 2023, where he made a promise to focus solely on governance.
The Old Boys Association expressed their appreciation for Governor Otti's leadership, noting that his administration has prioritized competence and knowledge in running the state.
In a vote of thanks, Hon. Uche Nwogu, the immediate past Mayor of Aba South (Class of 1983), declared that Governor Otti's 2027 re-election bid is already decided by the people due to his visible achievements.
"Your 2027 second-term bid is no longer in your hands to decide whether to run or not, as the people have already decided that you must run. Your good works across the state will make it difficult for anybody to challenge you in the 2027 gubernatorial election." -Hon. Uche Nwogu
Sir Prince Uzor Nwachukwu - Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs (Class of 1985)
Chief Boniface Alozie Uche -Chairman, Abia Comets FC, and former Games Prefect (Class of 1979)
The visit ended with a renewed commitment from both the government and the Ngwa High School Old Boys Association to support the schools revival and ensure quality education for future generations.
