A-five -day mandatory orientation programme for the newly recruited teachers in Abia state will be held in Aba and Umuahia from September 7 to 12, 2026.
Addressing Newsmen at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, named the two centers to include: the Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, and Federal Government Girls’ College, Umuahia.
While explaining that participants are expected to select their preferred venue through the Ministry of Basic Education’s portal, Prince Kanu said the orientation would expose the new teachers to the responsibilities and expectations of public and civil servants, the vision and strategic direction of education under the Governor Otti administration, as well as modern learner-centred teaching methods.
According to him, participants would also receive training in digital literacy, classroom technology, data-driven teaching tools, STEM methodologies and vocational alignment, with experts in the various fields serving as resource persons.
The Commissioner disclosed that considerable progress has been made in its partnership with MTN Nigeria Limited to achieve full voice and data coverage across the state, with 77 per cent of newly deployed network sites currently operational.
According to him, the improved network coverage has extended telecommunications services to previously underserved communities across the state, with residents now enjoying better access to voice and data services.
He, however, expressed concern over the vandalisation of some network sites and fibre infrastructure, particularly in parts of Aba, which he said had affected progress towards achieving almost 100 per cent coverage. “MTN Nigeria Limited is working assiduously to regain the almost 100 per cent coverage that was achieved a few weeks ago before the vandalisation of most of the new sites,” Prince Kanu stated.
The Commissioner listed some of the locations benefiting from the newly deployed infrastructure to include Aba-Umuahia Road in Isiala Ngwa South, Umuako Health Centre in Isiala Ngwa North, St. Theresa’s School axis in Umuahia South, Osundi-Ibunda-Abo Nkporo in Ohafia, Umuozo Community and Ikeduru Street in Aba, as well as Isiaku Primary Health Centre, Alayi.
He appealed to residents and communities to protect the infrastructure, stressing that the facilities were being installed for their benefit.
“These communication and network assets are being installed for the use and convenience of Abians and residents. We therefore urge communities to take ownership and help protect them from vandalism,” Prince Kanu stated.
He expressed optimism that MTN would restore the affected sites in the coming weeks, bringing coverage back to the targeted 100 per cent.
“The belief is that in the coming weeks, we will go back to 100 per cent coverage, so that in every part of Abia State where you are, you will be able to make use of the internet, both voice and data. This is a project that is expected to redefine the business landscape of the state,” the Commissioner said.
On infrastructure development, the commissioner disclosed that direct-labour maintenance works were undertaken at 43 locations across the state during the period under review, with two projects completed and no new project added to the maintenance schedule.
The completed works included the rainy-season maintenance of the 5.2-kilometre Umuehim-Okpuala Ngwa road, which traverses Isiala Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas, as well as the 250-metre access road to the Chidi Ubani Memorial Hospital at the Obingwa Local Government Headquarters.
He added that 26 road projects remained under contract, although work had slowed considerably at most sites due to the heavier rainy season. He noted that survey and inspection activities were nevertheless ongoing at various project locations to ensure that approved alignments, levels and specifications were maintained.
