A senior educationist, Professor Kalu Eni, has commended the former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, for his massive investment in education, describing it as a major factor behind the outstanding performance of Abia students in recent national examinations.
Prof Eni said the impressive results recorded across the state were a direct outcome of Senator Kalu’s consistent interventions in the education sector.
According to him, the free distribution of education materials such as science textbooks in subjects like mathematics, biology, physics and chemistry, as well as the supply of school bags, desks and the renovation of dilapidated classrooms, is yielding measurable results.
“The free distribution of education materials and the renovation of schools by Senator Kalu are already showing positive benefits,” Prof Eni said. “His efforts have improved access to quality learning for thousands of pupils and students across Abia North and beyond.”
As Governor of Abia State between 1999 and 2007, Senator Kalu introduced a free-education policy that covered pupils and students from primary to tertiary levels. His administration renovated over 800 schools, constructed more than 500 new classrooms and distributed over 150,000 desks and benches to public schools across the state.
Since becoming Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu has continued to channel resources into education. His current initiatives include the distribution of school desks, provision of science textbooks and laboratory equipment, renovation and construction of classroom blocks in Umunneochi, Isikwuato, Bende, Ohafia and Arochukwu, as well as scholarships for tertiary-institution students.
Recently, his aides supervised the delivery of new desks and learning materials to Amankalu Primary School, Alayi, and St. Joseph Primary School, Alayi, among other schools in Bende LGA — part of his district-wide educational-support programme.
In 2022, the Senate Press Corps named Senator Kalu the “Overall Best Senator in Constituency Projects and Human Relations,” citing his numerous projects in education, health and infrastructure.
“What Senator Orji Uzor Kalu achieved as governor and senator cannot be erased. He laid the foundation for modern Abia, and those footprints are still visible today in our schools and communities,” Prof Eni added.
The education expert maintained that the remarkable results of Abia students demonstrate how consistent investment and policy focus can transform human-capital development. He urged other leaders to emulate Senator Kalu’s commitment to education, describing him as “a visionary who believes in empowering young minds through knowledge.”
