Mao Ohuabunwa Praises Alex Otti’s Achievements During UNIPORT Visit
Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), has commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for his impressive achievements in under two years in office.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the governor, Senator Ohuabunwa lauded his commitment to education, particularly his decision to allocate 20% of the 2024 and 2025 budgets to the sector. He called on other states to take a cue from Otti’s administration.
“You know when we speak, people would listen, not only in Abia State, not only in Nigeria, even within the ECOWAS Sub-region,” Ohuabunwa stated. “We’ve seen the [education budget allocation] and we are asking him to do more.
“I’m not here as a politician, but I’m here, speaking as a Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, which is an educational institution. So, it’s a way of appreciating him and advising him to do more in the area of education.”
The former senator, who represented Abia North in the National Assembly, also highlighted Governor Otti’s longstanding ties with UNIPORT, describing him as a distinguished alumnus whose achievements in banking and governance have brought pride to the institution.
“I’m not just saying this because he is a governor. If you check back during his days in the school and his academic performance, you will know that we are proud of him. He distinguished himself in the banking industry and not just that—he identified with the institution, his alma mater, and we are proud of him,” Ohuabunwa added.
He further revealed that UNIPORT will collaborate with the Otti administration to provide more opportunities for Abia students and invited the governor to the university’s golden jubilee celebration later this year. As part of the anniversary, the institution plans to launch a ₦10 billion endowment fund to address infrastructural deficits.
In his response, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring dignity and excellence in Abia State. He congratulated Ohuabunwa on his appointment as UNIPORT’s Pro-Chancellor and pledged to support the university in various capacities.
“All we have done in the last 21 months is to restore the dignity of our people,” Otti said. “I congratulate Senator Mao Ohuabunwa on his well-deserved appointment and commend his efforts in strengthening our great institution.”
The meeting, as obtained by Aro Okeigbo Blog through the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, highlights a shared vision for education and development, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing the state’s educational sector.
