Otti Donates N1bn To Teachers’ Appreciation Fund

Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti, has announced a N1 billion Teachers’ Appreciation Fund to mark the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration.

He also directed the commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education to reinstate any teacher below 65 years who had been disengaged on account of attainment of 60 years. Otti stated these at the event, themed “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures,” in Umuahia, the state capital.

He said, “I want to give instruction from this podium, that anybody who is less than 65, if they have been disengaged, you must return them.

“I have given the approval from here. Please bring all of them back. Even if it is six months before retirement, bring them back. You don’t need further approval.”

Speaking on salary arrears, the governor also directed that all teachers whose salaries were delayed due to verification issues must be paid by the end of this month.

He also ordered the immediate payment of salaries owed to the 4,075 newly recruited teachers who had not yet been paid, directing that it be done before the end of the month. He congratulated students from the state who excelled in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.

“We want to congratulate our children who did well in WAEC and NECO. We want to let you know that we are just beginning. You will see more results as time goes on.” ‎ ‎In his welcome address, the commissioner, Goodluck Ubochi, noted that the theme underscores the important role teachers play in shaping society’s future. ‎

‎Ubochi said that under Otti’s administration, the state’s education sector has undergone reforms covering staff recruitment, professional development, and improved school infrastructure. ‎ ‎Earlier, in his address, the chairman of the state wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Madu Chukwujekwu, commended Otti for the recruitment of over 9000 teachers, among other achievements. ‎ ‎While drawing Otti’s attention to challenges facing teachers and expressing confidence in his ability to address them, the chairman assured him of the members’ continued support.