2026 Teachers Day: Governor Otti Doles Out N1Billion Appreciation Fund To Teachers, Orders Immediate Payment Of All Outstanding Dues
2026 Teachers Day: Governor Otti Doles Out N1Billion Appreciation Fund To Teachers, Orders Immediate Payment Of All Outstanding Dues
Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, 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, while responding to demands presented by the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Madu ChukwuJekwu, during the celebration held at the Michael Okpara Event Centre, Umuahia.
The Governor directed the Accountant-General of the State to distribute the money 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 issued a series of directives on teachers’ welfare:
On Check-Off Dues: The Governor directed the Accountant-General to ensure all outstanding check-off dues owed to teachers 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,” Governor Otti said.
On Salary Arrears: Gov. Otti directed that all teachers whose salaries were delayed due to verification issues must be paid latest by the end of October. He also ordered the immediate payment of salaries owed to the 4,075 newly recruited teachers who had not yet been paid, directing that it be done before the end of the month.
On Promotions: On the outstanding 2021 and 2022 promotions, the Governor said he understood that the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) was already working to complete the process. He directed ASUBEB to harmonise the process with the Head of Service and submit it to him for approval, insisting that the exercise must be completed latest by the end of October.
On Retirement Age: On the retirement age of teachers, 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,” Gov. Otti stated.
Describing his administration as one committed to fairness and transparency, the Governor thanked teachers for turning out in large numbers for the celebration, saying their presence demonstrated commitment to government and the education sector.
Governor Otti also spoke on his administration’s 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,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor 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,” the Governor said.
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.
Elder 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. He commended teachers for their sacrifices and assured that Government will continue to place education at the forefront of its development agenda.
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, describing the celebration as remarkable. They appreciated teachers for keying into Governor Otti’s vision and commended their commitment to supporting the reforms of the administration.
Earlier, the NUT Chairman, Abia State Council, 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.
Comrade ChukwuJekwu drew the Governor’s attention to challenges facing teachers and expressed confidence in his ability to address them, thanking the Governor for turning things around for Abia teachers and assuring him of their continued support.
Governor Otti was joined at the event by elected officials, mayors and senior government appointees.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.