Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has paid glowing tribute to teachers across the state, describing them as “nation builders, torchbearers of knowledge, and architects of tomorrow.”
Speaking at the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Umuahia, Governor Otti, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, commended the dedication and resilience of teachers in shaping the state’s future.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of educators, citing prompt salary payments, enhanced welfare packages, and continuous professional development initiatives as key achievements.
The governor highlighted the AbiaFIRST Education Programme, an ambitious reform agenda designed to expand access to quality education. The programme includes free and compulsory education from Primary 1 to Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), the construction of Smart Schools, and the overhaul of public school infrastructure across the state.
“Education is the bedrock of any meaningful development, and we are investing in it deliberately,” he said, expressing appreciation to teachers for their tireless service.
In his paper presentation, the Vice Chancellor, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Professor Maduebibisi Iwe, described teaching as a collaborative profession that involves educating and mentoring learners and enumerated some challenges facing the teaching profession to include poor funding, logistics, infrastructure, access to quality, and underrating the teaching profession.
In his address, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, stated that the strength of any society lies in the value it places on its teachers. He lauded Governor Otti for restoring the dignity of the teaching profession in Abia.
“Thank you for believing in education and in our teachers. Every teacher represents the heartbeat of our education system,” he added.
Also speaking, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Titus Amba, represented by the NUT National Representative for Imo State, Comrade Anokwuru Ebere, reflected on the global significance of World Teachers’ Day, first proclaimed by UNESCO in 1994.
He commended the Abia State Government for embracing the vision of quality education and aligning with teachers’ needs, while urging further action on teacher training, enhanced welfare, and smart learning initiatives.
“Preparing our teachers for the future with robust support systems is vital for effective service delivery,” he stated.
Delivering his keynote address, the State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Madu Friday Chukwujekwu, noted that this year’s theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” with the sub-theme “Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow,” reflects the crucial role of collective support in advancing education.
He praised Governor Otti for prioritizing education, as demonstrated in the 2025 budget, the mass recruitment of teachers, and the implementation of free, compulsory basic education in the state.
“The future we desire depends on how we treat and support our teachers today,” Chukwujekwu concluded.
World Teachers’ Day is observed annually on October 5 to celebrate the vital contributions of teachers and recognize their role in shaping minds, building character, and inspiring dreams.
Responding on behalf of the newly recruited teachers, the Coordinator of the 2025 Newly Recruited Abia Teachers, Mrs. Goodluck Ogbonna, commended the Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for granting them employment into Abia State Civil Service and vowed to reciprocate the kind gesture of the Governor by ensuring that Abia children acquire quality education.
