Abia State Governor Alex Otti has pledged government support for Michael Offorkaile, a state indigene who scored 367 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), placing him among the joint fifth-highest scorers nationwide.
Otti disclosed this in a statement shared on his official X handle on Tuesday, after receiving the student, his parents and management of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Oba, Anambra State, at the Government House.
The UTME is the standardised entrance exam administered by Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) that determines admission into the country’s tertiary institutions.
The governor congratulated Offorkaile on his result, describing it as a reflection of excellence that deserves recognition and encouragement.
“Yesterday, I received Master Michael Offorkaile, an illustrious son of Abia State, who scored an outstanding 367 in the 2026 JAMB/UTME examinations, placing him among the joint 5th highest scorers nationwide,” Otti said.
Otti, who became Abia State governor in 2023, has built his administration around merit-based governance.
Government Support On The Way
Otti said his administration places a premium on merit and would keep rewarding outstanding achievements no matter where they occur.
“As a government built on meritocracy, we celebrate excellence wherever it is found, and his feat is a shining example of what our youths can achieve,” he said.
The governor announced he had directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. (Mrs.) Uche Eme Uche, to work out details of the state’s support for Offorkaile’s academic journey.
“I have directed the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof (Mrs.) Uche Eme Uche, to work out the details of the State’s support for his academic journey, while my Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Dodoh Okafor, will liaise with the family to ensure smooth coordination,” Otti said.
A Message To Other Young Nigerians
Otti said the recognition was meant not only to celebrate Offorkaile’s performance but also to encourage other young people across Abia State and the country to pursue excellence.
“Michael’s recognition is not only to celebrate him but also to inspire other young Abians and Nigerians to strive for excellence, knowing that their hard work will be honoured,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the student’s future, the governor assured him of the state’s continued backing throughout his academic journey.
“His journey towards higher education has just begun, and we are confident that he will strive for excellence and bring even greater pride to Abia State and Nigeria. As a government, we stand firmly behind him and will provide the necessary support to ensure his success,” he said.
The UTME draws millions of candidates nationwide each year, and scores above 350 are rare, placing Offorkaile’s result among the Nigeria’s very best.
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