From Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has announced a ₦1 billion Teachers’ Appreciation Fund in recognition of the contributions of teachers to education and human capital development in the state as part of activities marking the 2026 World Teachers’ Day.
Governor Otti made the announcement on Monday, October 5, 2026, during the state’s Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Michael Okpara Event Centre in Umuahia. The declaration followed requests presented by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Abia State Council, Comrade Madu ChukwuJekwu.
The governor directed the Accountant-General of the state to distribute the fund equally among teachers, describing the initiative as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication to educating children and contributing to the development of Abia State.
Beyond the financial reward, Governor Otti used the occasion to announce several directives aimed at addressing outstanding welfare concerns, including unpaid check-off dues, salary arrears, delayed promotions and the retirement age of teachers.
Otti Orders Payment of Teachers’ Outstanding Dues and Salaries
Addressing the issue of unpaid check-off dues, Governor Otti instructed the Accountant-General to ensure that all outstanding payments owed to teachers were settled within seven days.
He expressed concern over the delay and suggested that some payments might have remained outstanding because the necessary account details had not been provided.
The governor also directed the immediate settlement of salary arrears owed to the 4,075 newly recruited teachers who were yet to receive their salaries. He ordered that the payments be completed before the end of October 2026.
Similarly, teachers whose salaries had been delayed because of verification issues were assured that their outstanding payments would be made no later than the end of the month.
The directives formed part of the administration’s response to concerns raised by the NUT over teachers’ welfare and the need to resolve outstanding financial obligations.
ASUBEB Gets Deadline to Complete 2021 and 2022 Promotions
On the issue of delayed promotions, Governor Otti addressed the outstanding promotion exercises for 2021 and 2022.
He noted that the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) was already working on the process but instructed the board to harmonise its work with the Office of the Head of Service.
The harmonised recommendations are to be submitted to the governor for approval, with a deadline set for the completion of the exercise by the end of October 2026.
The directive is expected to address concerns among affected teachers who have been waiting for the conclusion of the promotion process.
Governor Orders Reinstatement of Eligible Teachers Below 65
Governor Otti also addressed concerns surrounding the retirement age of teachers, directing the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education to reinstate teachers who are below 65 years of age but had been disengaged.
The governor said the affected teachers should be returned to service without requiring further approval from him, stressing that the directive covered eligible personnel who were approaching retirement.
He instructed the commissioner to implement the decision, including cases involving teachers with only a few months remaining before retirement.
The announcement was one of the major welfare-related decisions made during the celebration, as the administration sought to resolve issues affecting teachers across the state.
Otti Reaffirms Commitment to Smart Schools and Free Education
Speaking on the broader direction of education in Abia, Governor Otti highlighted his administration’s plans to modernise teaching and learning through the development of Smart Schools across the state’s 17 local government areas.
He explained that the initiative was designed to introduce modern educational opportunities and technology without replacing conventional methods of teaching.
According to the governor, the objective is to expand the choices available to pupils and prepare them for the demands of a changing world.
Otti also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to free and compulsory education, while congratulating Abia students who recorded strong performances in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
He said the administration would continue working to improve educational outcomes, adding that further progress should be expected as its reforms advance.
Commissioner Highlights Education Reforms
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, said the 2026 World Teachers’ Day theme highlighted the important role educators play in shaping individuals and building society.
Ubochi listed teacher recruitment, professional development, improved school infrastructure, modern learning environments and Smart School development among the areas receiving attention under the Otti administration.
He further explained that technology was being incorporated into the education system to strengthen teachers’ effectiveness rather than replace their roles in the classroom.
The commissioner commended teachers for their dedication and sacrifices, assuring them that education would remain a priority in the state government’s development agenda.
Obi Aguocha, Darlington Nwokocha Commend Abia Teachers
In their goodwill messages, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, and the Labour Party candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, congratulated teachers on the occasion.
Both speakers described the celebration as significant and acknowledged the role of teachers in supporting the state’s educational development.
They also commended educators for their participation in the ongoing reforms and encouraged them to remain committed to their responsibilities.
NUT Praises Otti Over Teacher Recruitment and Education Funding
Earlier, the NUT Chairman in Abia State, Comrade Madu ChukwuJekwu, commended the governor for measures taken to address challenges in the education sector.
He cited the recruitment of more than 9,000 teachers, the settlement of salary arrears inherited from previous administrations, regular salary payments and the allocation of 20 per cent of the state’s annual budget to education.
ChukwuJekwu, however, drew attention to outstanding issues affecting teachers and expressed confidence that the governor would address the concerns raised.
He thanked the administration for the changes recorded in the sector and reaffirmed the union’s commitment to supporting efforts to improve education in Abia State.
The celebration was attended by elected public officials, local government mayors and senior government appointees.
The ₦1 billion appreciation fund and the accompanying welfare directives formed the central highlights of the 2026 Teachers’ Day celebration, with the state government reiterating its commitment to improving teachers’ welfare and expanding access to quality education across Abia State.
By Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
