Teachers’ Day: Gov Otti Doles Out N1bn Appreciation Fund, Orders Immediate Payment Of Outstanding Dues

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced a N1 billion Teachers’ Appreciation Fund for teachers across the state as part of activities marking the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration.

Governor Otti made the announcement on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Michael Okpara Event Centre, Umuahia, while responding to demands presented by the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Madu ChukwuJekwu.

The Governor directed the Accountant-General of the State to distribute the fund equally among all teachers, describing the gesture as appreciation for their contributions to the development of Abia and the upbringing of its children.

Governor Otti also issued a series of directives addressing welfare issues raised by the NUT.

On check-off dues, he directed the Accountant-General to ensure all outstanding dues are settled within seven days.

“If check-off dues have not been paid, maybe you have not provided the account because the money is sitting there,” Otti said.

On salary arrears, the governor ordered that all teachers whose salaries were delayed due to verification issues must be paid by the end of October. He also ordered immediate payment of salaries owed to 4,075 newly recruited teachers who had not yet been paid, directing that it be done before the end of the month.

On promotions, Otti said he understood that the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) was already working to complete the process for the outstanding 2021 and 2022 promotions. He directed ASUBEB to harmonise the process with the Head of Service and submit it to him for approval, insisting the exercise must be completed by the end of October.

On retirement age, Governor Otti directed the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education to reinstate any teacher below 65 years who had been disengaged.

“I am surprised that that matter is still outstanding. I want to give instruction from this podium, Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, 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,” the Governor stated.

Governor Otti thanked teachers for turning out in large numbers for the celebration, saying their presence demonstrated commitment to government and the education sector. He described his administration as one committed to fairness and transparency.

The Governor also spoke on efforts to introduce modern approaches to education through the development of Smart Schools across the 17 Local Government Areas.

“The whole idea is not to supplant traditional education, but to make the future of education available to our children. They can always have a choice,” he stated.

He assured teachers that his administration would sustain its policy of free and compulsory education, while congratulating Abia students 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,” he added.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, said the theme of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day underscores the important role teachers play in shaping the future of society.

Ubochi said the education sector has continued to receive focused attention under Governor Otti, with reforms covering teacher recruitment, professional development, improved school infrastructure, modern learning environments and development of smart schools.

He explained that technology is being integrated into teaching and learning, not to replace teachers, but to strengthen their capacity and effectiveness, while commending teachers for their sacrifices.

In their goodwill messages, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, and the Labour Party candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, congratulated Abia teachers and commended their commitment to supporting the reforms of the administration.

Earlier, the NUT Chairman, Comrade Madu ChukwuJekwu, commended Governor Otti for repositioning the education sector, particularly the recruitment of over 9,000 teachers, payment of salary arrears owed by previous administrations, regular payment of salaries and allocation of 20 percent of the annual budget to education.

He drew the Governor’s attention to challenges facing teachers and expressed confidence in his ability to address them, thanking him for turning things around and assuring him of their continued support.