Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has directed the re-engagement of teachers who were retired or disengaged before attaining the new retirement age of 65. The directive was given during the 2026 World Teachers' Day celebration in Umuahia, where Otti responded to demands from the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Madu ChukwuJekwu. Otti's administration had previously approved the extension of the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years.
The governor expressed surprise that the matter of re-engaging the affected teachers was still pending, instructing the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education to ensure their return to service. He stated that anyone less than 65 years old who was disengaged should be brought back, even if it was just six months before retirement. This move aims to address the concerns of teachers who were prematurely retired.
In addition to the re-engagement directive, Otti ordered the payment of outstanding check-off dues owed to teachers within seven days. He also instructed that teachers whose salaries were delayed due to verification issues should be paid by the end of October. Furthermore, salaries owed to the 4,075 newly recruited teachers who had not been paid should be settled before the end of the month.
The governor also addressed the issue of outstanding promotions for 2021 and 2022, directing the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board to harmonize the process with the State Head of Service and submit it for approval. He set a deadline for the exercise to be completed by the end of October. This move is part of Otti's efforts to address the concerns of teachers in the state.
Otti's administration has been committed to education reforms, including the development of smart schools. He emphasized that the goal of introducing smart schools is to complement conventional education, not replace it. The governor stated that this initiative aims to provide children with a choice for their future education.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, highlighted the importance of teachers in shaping society, as reflected in the 2026 World Teachers' Day theme. He assured teachers that education remains a priority of the state government. The NUT chairman, ChukwuJekwu, commended the administration's efforts to reposition the education sector.
ChukwuJekwu cited several achievements of the administration, including the recruitment of over 9,000 teachers, payment of salary arrears owed by previous administrations, and regular payment of salaries. He also noted the allocation of 20 percent of the annual budget to education. The NUT chairman expressed confidence that the administration would address the challenges facing teachers in the state.
Key points
- Abia State Governor Alex Otti orders re-engagement of teachers retired before 65
- Otti directs payment of outstanding check-off dues and delayed salaries
- The governor aims to address concerns of teachers and improve education in the state
