The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has stated that his government plans to hire at least 5,000 teachers to help with the shortfall in elementary and secondary schools. On Monday, Otti announced his administration’s goal during his inauguration speech at the Umuahia Township Stadium. The aim is to hire at least 5,000 teachers to address the teacher shortage in elementary and secondary schools. He emphasized that this initiative is part of his administration’s commitment to rebuilding the educational system and producing high-calibre students who can meet the demands of modern society.
The governor announced plans to develop a suitable structure for the hiring process in collaboration with his staff and relevant parties within the next month. He emphasized that young graduates in the fields of education, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as those interested in working in rural areas, will be given preference during the recruitment process.
According to the Governor, “We shall see to it that our teachers undergo regular refresher courses to update their knowledge and teaching skills so that they will stay relevant in their chosen fields.
“It must also be stated that under our government, teachers shall never be shabbily treated as reportedly had been the custom in the past.
“The paucity of infrastructure in our educational system shall be addressed stridently”.
In Umuahia and Aba, the state’s economic hub, Otti has declared a state of emergency for garbage management and refuse disposal. He emphasized the significance of maintaining a healthy urban environment and ordered the State Environmental Protection Agency to clear all garbage piles in the two cities. In addition, the government will prioritize this issue to ensure effective waste management.
The governor has also declared that his office would start paying all government workers and retirees their May salaries and pensions in the coming days.
The governor further stated, “There shall be no more distinction between the so-called ‘core’ and ‘non-core’ civil servants in the state.
“From June, all salary and pension obligations of the state would be settled by the 28th of every month.
“My commitment during my campaigns to pay off all outstanding salary and pension arrears remains sacrosanct”.
As a candidate for the Labour Party, Governor Otti won the March 18 gubernatorial election.
cc: Punch Ng
