UMUAHIA, Nigeria — Governor Alex Otti says Abia State is fully prepared to host the 63rd meeting of the Nigeria National Committee of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), scheduled to take place in Umuahia from November 17 to 21.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Otti made the announcement during a briefing with WAEC officials on Tuesday, assuring that the state has completed all necessary arrangements to ensure a successful event. The meeting is expected to attract key education stakeholders, commissioners, and senior WAEC representatives from across Nigeria and West Africa.

According to the governor, Abia’s selection as host is a reflection of the state’s growing reputation for excellence in education and public service delivery. “Hosting this meeting is a privilege that aligns perfectly with our vision for education reform. Abia is ready, and we promise to make it a memorable event,” Otti said.

He noted that the state government has upgraded infrastructure, improved transportation within Umuahia, and renovated key venues to accommodate the influx of delegates. Otti also highlighted the government’s ongoing reforms in the education sector, which he said have transformed the state’s learning environment over the past year.

“When we came into office, our education system was in decline. School buildings were dilapidated, teacher quality was low, and enrolment had dropped. We made education a top priority,” he said. “We have since renovated schools, introduced smart classrooms, and hired more qualified teachers.”

The governor revealed that his administration trained 2,000 master trainers and employed 5,394 new teachers under a “train-the-trainer” initiative, with plans to recruit another 5,000 before the end of 2025. He added that Abia’s investments in education are already yielding positive results, with improved performance in external examinations and increased student enrolment.

WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, commended Abia State for its commitment to education reform and examination integrity. Represented by Abia’s WAEC Branch Controller, Mrs. Mary Chima, he said the council was impressed with the state’s readiness and peaceful environment.

“The choice of Abia as host state was deliberate. The state has demonstrated strong support for education and examination standards,” Chima said. She added that WAEC would present prizes worth ₦10.7 million to three outstanding schools in the state for their performance in the 2024 examinations.

The annual WAEC council meeting provides a platform for education stakeholders to review the council’s activities, address challenges in examination management, and plan future policies for the region. Discussions at the 63rd meeting are expected to focus on strengthening examination ethics, integrating digital assessment tools, and improving teacher training across member states.

Local businesses in Umuahia are also gearing up for the event, anticipating increased patronage in hotels, restaurants, and transport services. Economic analysts predict that hosting the meeting will boost the state’s hospitality and service sectors.

As preparations continue, security agencies have been directed to ensure the safety of all guests. The Abia State Ministry of Education is coordinating logistics, including delegate registration and venue arrangements.

Governor Otti reaffirmed that the meeting marks a milestone for Abia’s growing influence in the nation’s education landscape. “This is not just an event,” he said. “It is an opportunity to showcase Abia’s progress, hospitality, and commitment to quality education.”

The 63rd WAEC council meeting will officially open on November 18 in Umuahia, with delegates expected to arrive a day earlier. The conference is expected to conclude with resolutions aimed at improving educational standards across West Africa.