Otti foundation extends scholarship award, rewards First-Class graduates

The Alex Otti Foundation (AOF) scholarship scheme has admitted 81 new exceptional scholars.

They were admitted at the 2026 Scholarship Banquet which held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia over the weekend.

The Executive Secretary of the Foundation, Chidiebere Nnanna, while welcoming them, noted the new beneficiaries brought the total number of scholars whose progress had been tracked since 2019 to 302 with over 81 already graduated.

Nnanna said the Foundation’s initiative went beyond financial assistance to provide young people with opportunities to pursue their educational ambitions, complete their programmes, build careers and, where possible, advance to higher degrees.

He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to expanding opportunities for scholars through leadership development, career preparation and engagement with the changing world of work.

He congratulated the 2026 cohort and expressed optimism that they would thrive, make meaningful contributions to society and become sources of inspiration and opportunity to others.

Abia Governor Alex Otti increased the scholarship award from ₦250,000 to ₦350,000 per beneficiary to strengthen support for deserving students amid prevailing economic challenges.

The Governor also rewarded six beneficiaries who graduated with First-Class Honours with ₦500,000 each.

He said the prevailing economic realities informed the decision to increase the scholarship award.

The Governor directed the Foundation’s Executive Secretary to extend the increased award to existing beneficiaries who were still pursuing their studies.

Otti said the scholarship selection process was strictly merit-based, with beneficiaries chosen solely on their academic performance, irrespective of political affiliation, social status or family background.

“Once you qualify, you are taken. It doesn’t matter your political affiliation. We don’t want to know who your parents support or where you come from,” the Governor said.

The Governor explained that the Foundation, established in 2009, restructured its scholarship programme in 2019 to strengthen transparency and ensure that assistance reaches deserving students.

Otti challenged the scholars to emulate their colleagues’ outstanding achievements and produce more First-Class graduates in subsequent years.

The Governor also urged the beneficiaries to remain humble, grateful and committed to their studies.

He encouraged the scholars to appreciate the opportunity the Foundation provided and use their education to make meaningful contributions to society.

Otti also emphasised that the Foundation’s activities were independent of politics, noting that its mission would continue beyond his political career.

He congratulated the scholars on their achievements and wished them success in their academic pursuits.

Speaking on behalf of the six first-class degree recipients, Miss Chizaram Okoronkwo, a graduate of the Faculty of Nursing Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, expressed profound gratitude to Otti and the Alex Otti Foundation for the scholarship support, which she said eased her financial burden and enabled her to focus on her studies.

She recalled the Governor’s increase in the scholarship award from ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 in 2023, describing the gesture as a demonstration of confidence in students and an investment in their future.

She commended the Alex Otti Foundation Committee, the organising team and the selection panel for their dedication to the scholarship programme.