Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has directed the immediate re-engagement of teachers disengaged from service but who are yet to attain the age of 65.
Governor Otti gave the directives while addressing teachers during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Umuahia, where he also announced a N1 billion Teachers Appreciation Fund for teachers across the state.
The governor disclosed that the N1 billion 2026 Teachers Appreciation Fund, was designed to appreciate teachers for their contribution to the development of the state, regardless of when they joined the teaching profession, said the money would be shared equally among teachers in the state.
“I have instructed the Accountant-General of the State to share money equally to all of you.
“Whether you joined today or you joined 64 years ago, the total amount that I have — the amount for all of you — is one billion naira”, he said.
Governor Otti said he had directed the Accountant-General of the State to ensure that all teachers whose salaries had been withheld due to verification issues were paid by the end of October.
The Governor added that the 4,075 newly recruited teachers who were yet to receive their salaries had also been scheduled for payment before the end of October.
“I have instructed the Accountant-General of the State to ensure that everyone who has not been paid because of verification issues should be paid latest by the end of this month.
“I’ve also asked her to ensure that all the newly recruited 4,075 teachers who have not been paid should also be paid before the end of this month”, he said.
The governor, who said his administration is committed to making education the foundation of the state’s development, directed the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education to return to service all affected teachers who are below 65 years.
“I want to give instructions from here to the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education that anybody who is less than 65, if they have been disengaged, you must return them back.
“You don’t require any further approval, I’ve given the approval from here — please bring all of them back, even if it is six months before retirement. Bring them back”, Governor Otti ordered.
The governor said the directive was consistent with his administration’s commitment to fairness and transparency, stressing, “Once we say something, we do it.”
On outstanding promotion arrears, the governor said the 2021 and 2022 promotions were being processed by the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), directing the agency to harmonise the process with the State Head of Service and forward it to him for approval.
He said the process should be concluded and the affected teachers promoted by the end of October.
Governor Otti also ordered the immediate payment of outstanding check-off dues, and directed the Accountant-General to ensure that all arrears were settled within seven days.
The governor said several of the challenges presented by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) had already been addressed by his administration, adding that others were being attended to.
He said the state’s investment in smart schools across the 17 local government areas was aimed at preparing pupils for the future without displacing conventional education.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to free and compulsory education, and congratulated Abia pupils who excelled at the international schools debate championship in Qatar and those who topped the chart in the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
He thanked teachers for their labour of love and contribution to building future generations and assured them of his administration’s continued support.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, in his remarks, said the theme of the 2026 celebration, “Standing with Teachers: Protecting the Profession, Advancing Citizens, and Serving Our Teachers”, underscores the vital role of teachers in shaping the future of society.
Elder Ubochi commended the Otti led administration for the ongoing education reforms in the state including teacher recruitment, professional development, improved school infrastructure, modern learning environments and the development of smart schools, noting that it reflects the present adminstration’s commitment to creating an education system where both teachers and learners would thrive.
He stressed that the ministry would continue to work with teachers, professional bodies and other stakeholders to strengthen the education system and restore the dignity and professionalism of the teaching profession.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Abia State, acknowledged the progress recorded in the education sector, including increased budgetary allocation, mass recruitment of teachers, free and compulsory basic education and the extension of teachers’ retirement age from 60 to 65 years and urged the state government to further improve teachers’ welfare and respond to the Union’s challenges.
