Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has declared that his administration has successfully restored the dignity of the teaching profession, making teaching positions in the state increasingly attractive now rivaling and even surpassing traditional civil service roles.
Governor Otti disclosed this while announcing that no fewer than 32,000 applicants have applied for the ongoing recruitment of an additional 4,000 teachers in the state’s public education system. The development, he said, reflects renewed public confidence in the sector following sweeping reforms in education.
Earlier in the year, the Abia State Government recruited 5,394 teachers in the first phase of the exercise. All successful candidates resumed duties in September. However, the governor explained that the figure proved insufficient due to a sharp rise in student enrolment following the declaration of free and compulsory basic education across the state.
The governor made these remarks during the funeral service of the late Chief Emmanuel Enyidedeya Emeaso (Olu Eji Eje Mba I), held at Umuekegbe in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area. The burial service was conducted by the Eziama-Nvosi District of the Aba North Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Drawing attention to visible infrastructure projects at the venue, Governor Otti highlighted the ongoing construction of new classrooms and the renovation of existing school facilities, noting that similar projects are underway in schools across Abia State.
According to him, the goal is to restore public schools to the standard they enjoyed in earlier decades when teaching was regarded as a highly respected profession.
He emphasized that the current recruitment process would be strictly merit-based, just as in the first phase, assuring applicants of transparency and fairness throughout the exercise.
Reflecting on the life of the late Chief Emeaso, whom he described as a contemporary of his late father, Pastor Lazarus N. Otti, the governor said the deceased lived a fulfilled life and made lasting contributions to his community, church, and the state. He praised Chief Emeaso as a disciplined administrator, principled political leader, and respected traditional figure whose legacy would endure.
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Governor Otti urged the bereaved family to find comfort in the long, impactful life lived by the late elder statesman, who passed away at the age of 97.
The governor was accompanied by several top political office holders and government officials, including the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, and other federal and state representatives.