Otti Charges 4,074 New Teachers To Drive Abia Education Reform

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has charged 4,074 newly recruited teachers to take their responsibilities seriously and contribute to improving learning outcomes in public schools across the state.

Otti gave the charge on Tuesday at the Federal Government Girls’ College, Umuahia, during the flag off of a five day orientation and training programme for the newly recruited teachers.

Represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, the governor described the teachers as key to translating the government’s investment in school infrastructure into improved learning for children.

Otti said the recruitment was conducted on merit, without personal connections or political interference, in line with his administration’s commitment to transparency, merit and accountability.

He urged the new teachers to value their appointments, particularly as the government continues to renovate public schools and provide learning facilities.

“No matter how fantastic a school facility is, will it transmit knowledge to the children without a teacher?” the governor asked.

Describing teachers as major drivers of the administration’s education reforms, Otti warned that the era of “all-comers” was over, stressing that teachers who fail to meet expectations could be replaced by qualified candidates on the reserve list.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Amb. Lydia Onuoha, congratulated the new teachers and commended the governor for his support for the education sector.

Onuoha, who said she spent 17 years as a classroom teacher before rising through the ranks, urged the recruits to regard teaching as a noble profession and a divine calling.

She advised them to pay attention during the training and follow the instructions of facilitators, stressing the importance of professionalism in their conduct and appearance.

“As you are coming into the classrooms, dress like a teacher,” she said.

Onuoha assured the teachers that ASUBEB would provide the necessary support to help them improve their capacity and contribute effectively to basic education in the state.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Ekeoma Chigozie Akidi, described the training as an important step towards strengthening Abia’s public education system.

Akidi said investments in school renovation and digital learning tools would not achieve the desired results without competent teachers.

She urged the recruits to demonstrate dedication, punctuality and commitment to continuous improvement.

According to her, the five day training will cover lesson planning, classroom management, digital literacy, curriculum delivery, professional ethics and child protection, among other areas aimed at improving their practical teaching skills.

In his remark, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Abia State Council, Comrade Friday Madu, welcomed the new teachers on behalf of the union.

Madu said the state’s teaching workforce was growing, noting that more than 5,000 teachers were recruited in the previous year, while over 4,000 had been added through the current exercise.

He assured the new teachers of the support and guidance of senior educators and professional bodies.

The five day orientation is being held simultaneously at the Federal Government Girls’ College, Umuahia, and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.

The programme is scheduled to end on Saturday, September 12, 2026, after which the new teachers are expected to begin their duties in Abia’s public schools.