Governor Alex Otti has disclosed that 1,200 candidates have been shortlisted from over 2,000 applicants vying for 771 healthcare positions in Abia State. Speaking during a media briefing in Umuahia, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to merit-based recruitment, emphasizing that competence; not connections will determine final selections.
“We launched an application portal and received close to 2,000 entries. From that number, about 1,200 have been shortlisted for screening,” Otti said. “This exercise is vital to strengthening our healthcare system. The recruitment process will be transparent, and only those who meet the criteria will be engaged regardless of who they know or don’t know.”
Governor Otti added that the hiring aligns with the administration’s broader plan to revamp the health sector. According to him, over 200 primary healthcare centres across the state have already been renovated, alongside ongoing upgrades in general and tertiary hospitals.
Power, Infrastructure Overhauls at ABSU and Other Institutions
Addressing issues beyond healthcare, the Governor also revealed plans to tackle the persistent power shortage at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu. He announced a partnership with a private investor to develop a 15-megawatt independent power plant to serve the university and surrounding communities.
“We are resolving the electricity challenges at ABSU. A 15-megawatt power project is already underway and will soon be completed,” Otti assured.
The Governor also gave updates on the infrastructure transformation within ABSU. Renovation and retrofitting of five hostel blocks are ongoing, while new buildings for the Colleges of Law and Agriculture are expected to be completed on schedule. He emphasized that these interventions reflect a deliberate effort to restore the institution’s academic standing.
Otti further highlighted major developments at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, where construction is progressing rapidly at the permanent campus in Osisioma. He expressed optimism that the institution would commence academic activities at the new site by the next session.
He also praised the Polytechnic’s leadership for securing a ₦2 billion grant from TETFund under the special high-impact project category, noting that Abia is the only state in the Southeast included in the 18-state beneficiary list.
“The Osisioma campus is receiving focused attention. A new lecture theatre is nearing completion, and enrollment numbers are rising,” he noted. “We’ve introduced modern academic programs, including courses in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Technology, to ensure our graduates meet global workforce standards.”
Education Sector Revitalization Continues
In addition to higher institutions, the Abia State College of Education in Arochukwu is undergoing significant renovations. The Governor said classrooms, lecture halls, and power supply systems are being overhauled to ensure the college is fully prepared for the next academic session.
Empowering Youth Through Skills, Not Handouts
Governor Otti also outlined his administration’s unique approach to youth empowerment. Rejecting traditional cash-based empowerment schemes, he emphasized the importance of skills development and long-term self-reliance.
“Our strategy is rooted in teaching young people how to create and sustain livelihoods,” he said. “We’ve launched leadership academies and talent development programs fully funded by the state, including initiatives in technology, fashion, sports, and entrepreneurship.”
According to him, 1,000 young Abians are currently enrolled in leadership training, with sessions conducted by Nigeria’s top experts. In addition, cooperative societies across various wards have benefitted from interest-free funding, and another ₦2 billion facility has been earmarked to support a new batch of youth-led ventures this year.
“We’re cultivating a generation that thrives on creativity and innovation; not handouts. That’s the culture we’re promoting in Abia,” the Governor concluded.
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