Over 17,000 candidates have applied for a 2,5000 teaching vacancies across primary and secondary schools in Abia state.
This was revealed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu during a press briefing in Umuahia.
Kanu stated that shortlisted candidates would undergo a computer-based test and oral interview to ensure a transparent and merit-based recruitment process.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Alex Otti’s administration to improving educational service delivery through the recruitment of qualified teachers as part of its transformation agenda for the education sector.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education, Kenechukwu Nwosu, highlighted a surge in student enrollment since the introduction of the state’s free education policy in January. “Some schools that previously had 45 pupils now have over 450,” he noted, stressing the need for more teachers to meet the growing demand.
The state government has set an ambitious target of generating N120 billion in internally generated revenue (IGR) for 2025.
Prince Kanu revealed that Abia had already exceeded its 2024 target of N32 billion, collecting a total of N39 billion in IGR. He urged residents to cooperate by fulfilling their financial obligations, including payment of ASEPA waste management bills.
As part of its inclusive governance approach, the state has approved the construction of ramps in public buildings to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Additionally, under the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP), a World Bank-assisted initiative, the government has awarded contracts for the construction of a 59-kilometer road spanning seven local government areas.
Addressing controversies surrounding pension arrears, the Commissioner accused the state leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) of spreading falsehoods to blackmail the government.
Kanu insisted that the NUP leadership was insincere, despite a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) reached with the government after a comprehensive review of outstanding pension arrears, which had been underestimated at N15 billion but later computed to be N30 billion.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, defended the government’s commitment, pointing out that Governor Otti’s administration had consistently paid 100% of pensions and workers’ salaries since taking office.
“The government has shown unprecedented goodwill towards pensioners, and it is unfair to repay this gesture with blackmail,” Ekeoma said, adding that the administration would now prioritize engaging with the “Concerned Abia Pensioners” group, which he described as more genuine in its dealings.
The Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, urged the public not to be misled by the NUP’s narrative, asserting that no previous administration had demonstrated as much concern for the welfare of workers and pensioners as Governor Otti’s administration.
