Abia State Universal Basic Education Board

NEWS REPORT

ABIA STATE SHINES AT NATIONAL BASIC EDUCATION SCHOOL SPORTS COMPETITION (BESS) GAMES, BAUCHI 2026, CLINCHES 8 GOLDS AND TWO MAJOR TROPHIES

Abia State has recorded an outstanding and historic performance at the National Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Competition, Bauchi 2026, emerging as one of the most celebrated states at the national sporting event organised to promote grassroots sports development within the basic education sector.

The national competition, which ran from 1st to 10th February 2026 in Bauchi State, is a sequel to the maiden State BESS Finals held in December 2025 at the Umuahia Township Stadium. The Bauchi event was jointly organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in collaboration with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) across the federation, with Bauchi State serving as the official host.

Although the programme was designed as a national event for all 36 states of the federation, a total of 21 states participated in the 2026 edition. Despite the competitive field and limited participation, the event delivered high-quality athletics, fostered unity among states, and reinforced the importance of sports as a tool for holistic child development within the basic education system. Exceptional Performances by Abia Athletes. Team Abia distinguished itself through exceptional performances, particularly in track and field events, producing some of the competition’s most dominant athletes.

Leading the medal haul was Chinenyenwa Emmanuel Favour of Union School 11, who delivered a phenomenal display of athletic excellence, consistency, and resilience throughout the competition. Her achievements unfolded across multiple days as follows: 1st Position - Shot Put (Girls Final) 1st Position - Javelin (Girls Final) 1st Position - Long Jump (Girls Final) 1st Position 100m Race (Girls Final) 1st Position -Discus (Girls Final) 1st Position - 200m Race (Girls Final), 1st Position - High Jump (Girls Final)
With these extraordinary performances, Chinenyenwa Emmanuel Favour clinched a total of seven (7) gold medals, making her the most decorated athlete of the competition and a standout symbol of Abia State’s sporting potential.

Another remarkable performance came from Divine Onyekachi of World Bank Model Primary School 1, who also showcased commendable talent and determination in the boys’ track events: 1st Position - 100m Race (Boys Final), 3rd Position - 200m Race (Boys Final)

Divine Onyekachi concluded the competition with one (1) gold medal and one (1) bronze medal, further strengthening Team Abia’s overall medal count. Overall Medal Tally and Awards
At the close of the competition, Abia State recorded an impressive total of eight (8) Gold Medals and one (1) Bronze Medal. In addition to the medals, Abia State earned two prestigious national trophies, namely: Best Athlete of the Competition and Best Performing State in Its First Outing

These awards underscore Abia State’s remarkable debut at the national BESS Games and reflect the effectiveness of its grassroots sports development and talent identification strategies.

Beyond athletics, Abia State also participated in football events. Drawn in Group A alongside Bauchi State and Delta State, Team Abia demonstrated commendable effort and sportsmanship. Although the team did not progress beyond the quarterfinal stage, their participation contributed meaningfully to the competitive spirit of the tournament.

The National BESS Games continue to serve as a vital platform for discovering and nurturing young talents and youth engagement, and the promotion of physical education within schools within Nigeria’s basic education system. Abia State’s performance at the Bauchi 2026 edition not only highlights the state’s growing strength in school sports but also reinforces its commitment to holistic education that integrates academics with physical development. The impressive outing by Team Abia stands as a testament to strategic preparation, effective collaboration between education authorities, and the untapped potential of pupils within the state’s basic education sector.

Team Abia’s participation and success at the national event were made possible through the strategic leadership, coordination, and support of the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, Lady Lydia Ezihe Onuoha, alongside Board Member II, Deaconess Chioma Nwogwugwu, the Director, School Services Department, Rev. Uchechi Sampson Mbah, and the tireless efforts of the BESS Desk Officer, Mrs Grace Nwokeukwu, whose dedication to preparation, mentoring, and supervision of the team significantly contributed to this outstanding outing.

Reporting
Ekeoma Lekwauwa
PRO ASUBEB

Happy Birthday To Gov. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR

On behalf of the Board, Management, and entire staff of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), I warmly and respectfully felicitate Your Excellency on the joyous occasion of your birthday.

Your Excellency’s birthday offers a fitting moment to celebrate not only your life but your exemplary leadership, visionary governance, and selfless service to the people of Abia State. It is a celebration of purposeful leadership, courageous reforms, and a deep commitment to building a better future for our state.

The education sector, particularly basic education, has felt the profound impact of your administration. Your unwavering resolve to reposition education as the foundation of sustainable development has restored hope, standards, and dignity to public schools.

Through bold reforms in infrastructure renewal, teacher recruitment and capacity development, digital innovation, quality assurance, and improved learning environments, your Government has laid a solid foundation for a future-ready Abia child.

These strides have renewed confidence in public education, boosted teacher morale, improved pupils’ learning conditions, and strategically repositioned ASUBEB to deliver effectively on its mandate. Your hands-on leadership, clear policy direction, and belief in human capital development continue to inspire excellence and accountability across the sector.

As you mark another year, we celebrate your discipline, humility, resilience, and people-centred leadership—qualities that set you apart as a leader of uncommon vision and character.

We pray that Almighty God grants you continued good health, renewed strength, and divine wisdom to keep steering Abia State to greater heights. May the years ahead bring you more impactful achievements and lasting legacies in building a prosperous, educated, and globally competitive Abia State.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards and best wishes.

Signed:
Lady Ezihe Lydia Onuoha
Executive Chairman
Abia State Universal Basic Education Board

The Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Lady Lydia Ezihe Onuoha yesterday held a sensitisation meeting with Education Secretaries, Directors and Principals of Junior Secondary Schools across the state at Ibeku High School, Umuahia, in preparation for school resumption.

During the engagement, she charged school leaders to uphold discipline, accountability and effective leadership. Key focus areas included integration of newly recruited teachers, proper nominal rolls, community collaboration through SBMCs, protection of school facilities against encroachment and vandalism, and addressing truancy and indiscipline in schools.

She further spoke on first term assessments, implementation of the new curriculum with continuous teacher training, promotion and conversion updates, as well as staff welfare matters such as leave allowance, 27.5% Teachers Salary Structure (TSS), salary harmonisation and running costs for principals.

The Chairman thanked His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Abia State, for his consistent support to the education sector and reaffirmed ASUBEB’s commitment to strengthening basic education across Abia State.

🎉As we step into 2026, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening basic education through accountability, innovation and collective responsibility.

🎊Wishing you a Happy New Year once again.

#2026

PRESS RELEASE

ASUBEB REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HOLISTIC EDUCATION, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

The Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) has reaffirmed its commitment to holistic education and youth development.

The Executive Chairman of ASUBEB, Lady Ezihe Lydia Onuoha, stated this during the 2022–2023 Basic Education School Sports (BESS) State Finals, held this 2025 on Thursday , at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

Speaking further at the event organised by ASUBEB in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and themed “Building Champions Through Grassroots Sports.” Lady Onuoha
described school sports as a deliberate investment in the future of Abia State.and a strategic platform for nurturing talents.

She emphasised the central role of sports in quality education, noting that athletics go beyond extracurricular engagement.

"Sports are not an optional addition to education; they are an essential component of a quality learning experience.

"Today’s event provides a powerful platform for identifying future champions while instilling values of perseverance, fairness, leadership, discipline, and excellence in our young learners,” she said.

The ASUBEB Chairman, who explained that sports development at the basic education level strengthens holistic learning by combining physical fitness with character building, teamwork, and healthy competition, stated that the BESS initiative aligns seamlessly with the AbiaFIRST Agenda of His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whose administration has repositioned education as a critical pillar of sustainable development in the state.

“School sports represent a deliberate investment in the future of Abia State. They promote unity, discipline, talent discovery, and the balanced development of children at the foundational stage of learning.

“Under Governor Otti’s visionary leadership, education is about producing well-rounded, confident, skilled, and competitive citizens. BESS perfectly complements this education transformation drive by promoting inclusiveness, innovation, and holistic child development through grassroots sports,” she noted.

Lady Onuoha reassured that ASUBEB is commited to revitalising school sports as a tool for early talent discovery, youth engagement, and social inclusion, stressing that the Board is repositioning basic education to produce learners who are mentally sound, physically fit, socially responsible, and globally competitive.

She commended UBEC for its sustained support and partnership, and appreciated ASUBEB Board members, Education Secretaries, Head Teachers, coaches, organisers, and the Director of Special Programmes, ASUBEB, for their dedication to the success of the programme.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba, represented by the Director of Basic Education, Mr Sampson Nnaemeka, applauded Governor Alex Otti for his education reforms and commended Lady Onuoha for her outstanding leadership and performance.

He urged participating students to compete with integrity and embrace sportsmanship, saying.

“In sports, as in life, every effort counts, and every participant is a champion in the making. Let your talents shine, let your discipline speak, and let your conduct reflect the values of a new Abia—focused, confident, and forward-looking.”

Earlier, in her welcome address, the Director of Special Programmes, ASUBEB, Mrs Oyiri Sunday Udeogu, appreciated the education-friendly Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, for facilitating the payment of the UBE Matching Grant, which made the event possible. She also thanked the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, and the Executive Chairman of ASUBEB for their consistent support and promotion of sports within the basic education system.

Mrs Udeogu explained that the Basic Education School Sports Games are designed to expose learners to structured physical activities that foster teamwork, discipline, character development, life skills, and physical and mental well-being, while providing an enabling platform for early talent discovery. She noted that the BESS programme commenced in June with inter-house, inter-school, local government, and zonal competitions, culminating in the state finals.

She noted that the BESS programme commenced in June with inter-house, inter-school, local government, and zonal competitions, culminating in the state finals. She encouraged participants to adhere strictly to the rules of the games, respect officials and opponents, remain humble in victory, resilient in defeat, and demonstrate exemplary conduct throughout the competitions.

The event featured competitions in football, athletics, cultural dance, a match past parade, and other sporting activities. Medals and awards were presented to first, second, and third place winners, as well as best players and best teams across all competitions.

Ekeoma Lekwauwa
PRO ASUBEB

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), regret to inform the general public that the earlier scheduled State Finals of the 2020–2023 Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Competition, which was to hold on Friday, 12th December 2025, has been postponed.

New Date: Thursday, 18th December 2025
Venue: Umuahia Township Stadium
Time: 9:00 am

We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause. All other event details remain unchanged.

Announcer:
Mrs Joy Oyiri Sunday-Udeogu
Director of Special Programmes
For: Executive Chairman, ASUBEB

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), proudly announces the State Finals of the 2020–2023 Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Competition.
This grand state sporting fiesta brings together young champions from all 17 Local Government Education Authorities who have excelled at the grassroots level and are now set to compete for state glory!

Theme: “Building Champions Through Grassroots Sports.”

Join us as we witness the best primary and junior secondary school athletes compete for glory: The competition will feature a dynamic display of skills, discipline, and sportsmanship in a variety of events, including: Football, Cultural Dancing, Track and Field Events, Wrestling, LGA Match Past Parade and many other thrilling competitions!

Date: Friday 12th December 2025
Venue: Umuahia Township Stadium
Time: 9:00 am

Come and witness the energy, talent, and brilliance of Abia’s future stars as ASUBEB and UBEC continue to promote holistic development through quality basic education and sports.
Building a brighter future for every child.

Special Guest of Honour
Elder Goodluck Ubochi
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Abia State.

Guest of Honour
Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu
SA to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education.

Chief Host
Lady Lydia Eziihe Onuoha
Executive Chairman ASUBEB

Announcer

Mrs Joy Oyiri Sunday-Udeogu
Director of Special Programmes
For: Executive Chairman
ASUBEB

PRESS RELEASE

AHUWA COMMUNITY RECEIVES LANDMARK EDUCATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE AS ASUBEB CHAIRMAN COMMISSIONS ULTRA-MODERN CLASSROOM EDIFICE

The Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Lady Ezihe Lydia Onuoha, has reaffirmed that sustained investment in school infrastructure remains a critical foundation for delivering quality education.

Lady Ezihe Lydia Onuoha was speaking during the official commissioning of a newly constructed classroom complex at Ahuwa Community School I & II, Oboro, Ikwuano LGA.

This state-of-the-art and modern edifice, built and generously donated by the family of Lady Charity Ekeoma and Elder David Egesie stands as a memorial project in honour of patriarch, Late Pa Ubochi Isaac Egesie, whose life and principles were rooted in educational advancement and symbolise the family’s commitment to educational transformation and community development in Ahuwa.

The Executive Chairman expressed deep appreciation to the Egesie family for their remarkable contribution to educational transformation on what she described as a monumental, first-of-its-kind, gigantic and unprecedented intervention project that aligns directly with the transformational education reforms championed by the education-friendly Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti. She noted that the project represents a thoughtful and historic contribution that supports the Governor’s AbiaFirst-driven education policy.

Lady Onuoha urged the Ahuwa community to guard the facility jealously, maintain it as a collective heritage, and resist all forms of vandalism and emphasised the need for collective ownership and protection of the facility, "This edifice is your asset. Guard it jealously, maintain it, and never allow vandalism of any kind" she stated.

Executive Chairman assured stakeholders that ASUBEB will complement the project with additional interventions, including modern ICT equipment for vocational learning, furniture for pupils and teachers, and continuous ICT training for teachers to ensure that the school becomes a centre of excellence, as the edifice marked a significant milestone in the continuous modernisation of basic education infrastructure in Abia State.

She reiterated Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to promoting excellence, transparency, and accountability in the education sector, promising that ASUBEB remains fully dedicated to providing educational resources necessary for optimal teaching and learning.

Speaking earlier, Elder David Egesie thanked Governor Otti for repositioning education in the state. He explained that the project flows from the family’s long-standing philosophy, rooted in their late father’s passion for educational development.

He emphasised that the new classroom complex will serve as an ICT and learning hub under the Ubochi Egesie Foundation, aimed at empowering children within and beyond the Ahuwa community. Elder Egesie described Governor Otti as a trailblazer and silent achiever, commending the ASUBEB Chairman and the Ikwuano Education Secretary, Dr Paul Udensi, for their leadership and support.

In his remark, the Education Secretary of Ikwuano, Dr Paul Udensi, expressed gratitude to the Governor for bringing Abia’s basic education sector to national prominence. He commended Lady Onuoha and the Board Members for their transformative contributions and applauded the Egesie family for complementing government efforts through such a laudable project. He encouraged the community to safeguard the structure and assured continued support in creating a conducive learning atmosphere.

In their separate speeches, the Head Teachers of Ahuwa Community School I & II, Iroabuchi Goodnews and Ibeabuchi Ekeoma, described the project as historic and timely, especially given the prevailing economic challenges. They applauded the Egesie family’s philanthropy and thanked Governor Otti for restoring dignity to education in Abia State. They further appealed for additional teachers, noting that the new structure has already attracted increased school enrollment.

Giving a vote of thanks, the SBMC Chairman, Mr Ogbonnaya Nwosu, appreciated Governor Otti for appointing a competent reform-driven leader like Lady Onuoha to head ASUBEB. He declared unwavering support for the Governor and commended the Egesie family for their selfless contribution to the community’s educational upliftment. He encouraged other well-meaning Abians to emulate this exemplary gesture.

The commissioning ceremony featured cultural performances by the pupils of Ahuwa, presentation of awards and gifts, and the official unveiling of the classroom complex, while drawing the presence of top ASUBEB Board Members including; Dr Onyebuchi Onyegbule and Deaconess Chioma Nwaogwugwo, the Ikwuanob Supervisor for Education, Hon. Goodness John, directors and management staff of ASUBEB, community leaders, women groups, SBMC members, and other education stakeholders.

Ekeoma Lekwauwa
PRO ASUBEB

Happy New Month!

As we begin November, I extend my warm wishes to all teachers, pupils, parents, and education stakeholders across Abia State.
This month, we remain committed to strengthening basic education, supporting our schools, and giving every child the opportunity to learn and thrive.

Together, let’s make November a month of progress and impact.

— Mrs. Lydia E. Onuoha