Otti pledges to support JAMB top scorer’s education

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has pledged full educational support for Master Michael Offorkaile, an Abia-born student who achieved an outstanding score of 367 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), placing him fifth among the nation's top scorers. The governor received the student, his parents, and school management at his office, celebrating the remarkable academic feat.

Governor Otti emphasized that the state government values and celebrates excellence, particularly when achieved by its indigenes. He vowed that Abia State, founded on meritocracy, would continue to recognize and support individuals who excel. Otti encouraged Offorkaile to view his achievement as a stepping stone to greater success in his university education.

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We don’t take this for granted. The whole idea is to celebrate our own when they do well. As a government founded on meritocracy, we will not stop celebrating people who do well.

To facilitate the support, Governor Otti directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education to work out the specifics of the assistance. He also instructed his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to liaise with Offorkaile's parents to ensure all necessary follow-ups are made. The governor stressed that the state is fully behind the student and recognizes the significance of his accomplishment.

Offorkaile's parents and the Principal of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Oba, Anambra State, expressed their lack of surprise at his performance, citing his consistent academic excellence. They thanked Governor Otti for the recognition and commended his commitment to education and good governance in Abia State. Offorkaile himself expressed gratitude to the governor for the honor and praised his leadership.

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And as a state, we will support you. I believe that the details of the support will be worked out with the Commissioner for Tertiary Education. But I think what is most important is for you to know that your state is behind you, recognises the feat that you have achieved and encourages you to even do better.