Alex Otti education funds scandal deepens as APC chieftain petitions EFCC over alleged N54bn mismanagement for schools in Abia State
The Alex Otti education funds scandal has taken center stage in Abia State politics after a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Eze Chikamnayo, accused the governor of mismanaging more than N54bn earmarked for public schools.
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Chikamnayo, convener of the Abians Best Interest Association, claimed at a press conference in Abuja that billions had been released for 51 “smart schools” that remain untraceable.
According to him, over N86bn had been reportedly allocated to education between 2023 and 2025, yet “95 per cent” of schools are still in deplorable condition.
The APC chieftain alleged systemic corruption and said his group had petitioned the EFCC, ICPC, National Assembly, World Bank, Transparency International, and other watchdogs for urgent intervention.
“Corruption in education deprives future generations of dignity, opportunities, and rights,” he declared.
But Governor Otti’s camp dismissed the allegations as baseless. His Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha, told The Press that the administration has been transparent and committed to rebuilding schools across the state.
“They are merely spreading falsehood. Under His Excellency Alex Otti, schools are visible, being renovated and equipped. The governor remains focused on transforming education, not on political distractions,” Ukoha said.
Chikamnayo, however, insisted the campaign was not partisan but a fight for accountability. He argued that fact-finding visits revealed collapsing school infrastructure, with many lacking basic teaching and learning facilities.
He maintained that his group would press ahead with its petitions to national and international institutions, urging sanctions and urgent interventions to safeguard the future of Abia children.
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The controversy now places Abia’s education sector under intense scrutiny, with both sides trading accusations of transparency versus impunity.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
