Governor Otti directs re-engagement of teachers disengaged from service.

The Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has directed the immediate re-engagement of teachers who were disengaged from service without attaining the retirement age of sixty-five.

Governor Otti who gave the directives while addressing Teachers during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day Celebration in Umuahia, where he also announced a one billion Naira Appreciation Fund for Teachers across the State.

He noted that the one billion Naira 2026 Teachers Appreciation Fund, is designed to appreciate teachers for their contribution to the development of the state, adding that the money would be shared equally among teachers in the state regardless of when they joined the teaching profession,

The Governor said he has 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 this month, adding that the four thousand and seventy five newly recruited teachers who are yet to receive their salaries have also been scheduled for payment before the end of this month.

The State Chief Executive 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 sixty five years.

On outstanding promotion arrears, Governor Otti said the 2021 and 2022 promotions were being processed by the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board ASUBEB, directing the Agency to harmonize the process with the Head of Service and forward it to him for approval by the end of this month.

He 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 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.

In his remarks,The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, 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 and commended the Dr. Otti led administration for the ongoing education reforms in the state.

Earlier in his welcome address, the state Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Comrade Friday Madu 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 sixty to sixty-five years and urged the state government to further improve teachers’ welfare and respond to the Union’s challenges.