As Abia teachers joined their colleagues in the country in celebrating the 2026 World Teachers’ Day, Abia State government has announced a number of goodies for the teachers.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Alex Otti announced a N1 billion Teachers appreciation fund and the immediate re-engagement of teachers who were disengaged or retired at the age of 60 instead of the newly approved age of 65 years.
On the N1 billion largesse, the Governor directed the Accountant-General of the State to distribute the money equally among all teachers, as the gesture is in appreciation for their contributions to the development of Abia and the upbringing of its children.
“I am surprised that that matter is still outstanding. I want to give instructions from this year, Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, that anybody who is less than 65 years of age, if they have been disengaged, you must return them back,” the Governor directed.
While directing the payment of all outstanding check-off dues owed teachers within seven days, the Governor also directed that teachers whose salaries had been delayed because of verification issues be paid by the end of October, while salaries owed the 4,075 newly recruited teachers who had not been paid should be settled before the end of the month.
On Check-Off Dues, the Governor directed the Accountant-General to ensure all outstanding check-off dues owed to teachers are settled within seven days.
Regarding the outstanding 2021 and 2022 promotions, the Governor explained that the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) was already working to complete the process and directed the Board to harmonise the process with the Head of Service and submit it to him for approval, insisting that the exercise must be completed latest by the end of October.
Governor Otti reiterated the determination of his administration to sustain its policy of free and compulsory education and congratulated Abia students who excelled in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, noted that the education sector has continued to receive focused attention under Governor Otti, with reforms covering teacher recruitment, professional development, improved school infrastructure, modern learning environment
In his speech, the NUT chairman, ChukwuJekwu, commended the Dr Otti administration for repositioning the education sector, through the recruitment of more than 9,000 teachers, payment of salary arrears owed by previous administrations and regular payment of salaries.
While also lauding the allocation of 20 per cent of the annual budget to education,
ChukwuJekwu, however, drew the Governor’s attention to challenges facing teachers in the state and expressed confidence that they would be addressed.
