Teaching Regains Prestige in Abia as 32,000 Seek 4,000 New Teaching Positions — Gov. Otti

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has declared that his administration has successfully restored the dignity of the teaching profession in the state, making it more attractive than conventional civil service employment. According to him, this renewed confidence is evident in the overwhelming response to the ongoing teachers’ recruitment exercise.

The governor disclosed that no fewer than 32,000 applicants have applied for the second batch of recruitment involving 4,000 additional teachers. He recalled that earlier in the year, the state government recruited 5,394 teachers in the first phase, all of whom resumed duty in September to address growing needs in public schools.

Governor Otti made the remarks during the funeral service of the late Chief Emmanuel Enyidedeya Emeaso (Olu Eji Eje Mba 1), held at Umuekegbe in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area. He noted that the surge in school enrolment, following the declaration of free and compulsory education in Abia, necessitated the recruitment of more teachers to strengthen the education system.

The governor also highlighted ongoing construction and renovation of school facilities across the state, including projects within the host community. He explained that the government’s goal is to restore public schools to the standard they once held, when teaching was widely regarded as a noble and respected profession.

Governor Otti assured prospective applicants that the recruitment process would be strictly merit-based, as was done in the first batch. He emphasized that transparency and fairness remain central to his administration’s policies, particularly in employment and public service.

Speaking on the life of the late Chief Emeaso, the governor described him as a distinguished elder statesman and a contemporary of his late father, Pastor Lazarus N. Otti. He urged the family to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a long, impactful, and fulfilled life, contributing immensely to his community, the church, and the state.

The governor was accompanied to the burial by several top government officials and political leaders, including Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Roland Chinwendu, High Chief Victor Ikeji, Engineer Ikechukwu Monday, and the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South, Hon. Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu, among others.