By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has honoured Master Michael Offorkaile, the Abia-born student who scored 367 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), emerging as the fifth-highest scorer nationwide, and pledged the state’s support for his university education.
The governor received the exceptional student, his parents and the management of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Oba, Anambra State, at the Government House, where he commended the teenager for bringing honour to Abia State through his academic excellence.
Otti described the achievement as a source of pride for the state, stressing that his administration, which is anchored on meritocracy, would continue to recognise and reward Abia indigenes who distinguish themselves in different fields.
“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 excel,” the governor said.
He added that recognising outstanding performers would inspire younger generations to strive for excellence, assuring that the state would always stand behind its brightest talents.
As part of the state’s recognition, Governor Otti directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, to work out the modalities for supporting Master Offorkaile’s university education. He also instructed his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Dodoh Okafor, to liaise with the student’s family on the implementation of the support package.
While congratulating the young scholar, Otti urged him not to regard his impressive UTME performance as the peak of his academic journey but rather as the beginning of greater accomplishments.
According to the governor, the student must strive for even higher achievements at the university level and continue to make Abia State proud.
“The journey has just started. JAMB is only the first hurdle. Having been celebrated for this outstanding performance, we expect you to do even better at the university. Your state recognises your achievement, stands behind you and will support you,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, disclosed that the governor specifically directed her to identify and bring the top-performing student to Abia for recognition.
She noted that locating the student was challenging because of the strict policies and regulations of Grundtvig International Secondary School, which she described as commendable, while congratulating both the student and the school for the remarkable achievement.
Speaking during the visit, the Principal of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Mr. Ige Bello, and the student’s father, Mr. Odinaka Offorkaile of Umunneochi Local Government Area, said Michael’s outstanding result did not come as a surprise because of his consistent record of academic excellence.
They commended Governor Otti for recognising the young scholar and applauded his administration’s commitment to education and good governance in Abia State.
In his remarks, an excited Master Michael Offorkaile thanked the governor for the honour accorded him, his family and his school.
Describing Governor Otti as his role model, the student pledged to sustain his excellent academic performance and continue inspiring other students across Abia State and Nigeria.
“I want to thank you for what you have done for me, my family and my school. I will continue to perform, inspire and encourage students from Abia and across Nigeria to pursue excellence,” he said.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the school’s yearbook to Governor Otti by the Principal of Grundtvig International Secondary School.
Precise Post recalls that members of the Abia State Executive Council were present during the reception.
