Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has received plaudits from former Minister of Education and elder statesman, Professor Ihechukwu Madubuike, for committing an extraordinary 20% of the state’s 2024 budget to education. Professor Madubuike, a former Minister of Health, praised Gov. Otti’s visionary leadership, drawing comparisons to the historic commitment of late Nnamdi Azikiwe, who committed 45% of government revenue to education.
Gov. Otti presented a budget estimate of N567.2 billion for the 2024 fiscal year before the Abia State House of Assembly on Tuesday. Notably, the allocation for education was followed closely by health, receiving 15% of the entire budget proposal. This marked a historic moment as it was the first time education received the highest budgetary allocation in the state, emphasizing the governor’s commitment to advancing the sector.
The budget distribution saw a notable emphasis on capital expenditure, with 84% allocated, while recurrent expenditure received only 16%. This shift in budget priorities signifies a strategic focus on infrastructure development and long-term investments.
Professor Madubuike highlighted the importance of investing in education, particularly in the South East, which produces the highest number of candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions. He urged other governors in the region to emulate Gov. Otti’s commitment to education and encouraged the Abia State governor to follow through with the implementation of the budget.
In a statement personally signed by the elder statesman, he stated, “I laud the foresight and courage of Governor Otti for budgeting 20% to the Education sector. It’s historic as it reminds us of the supreme importance which our visionary leaders attached to education and the glory and honor it brought to our people.” Professor Madubuike referenced Nnamdi Azikiwe’s legacy and the positive outcomes experienced by states in the South East that invested significantly in education.
