I will return to teaching after my assignment as governor — Otti
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
The Governor Alex Otti, of Abia State says he will be returning to the classroom as a teacher after completing his assignment as Governor.
Otti declared on Monday in Umuahia the state capital during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration.
“I see myself as returning as a teacher by the time I finish the assignment you gave me to do. It is a profession I love so much”, he said.
The governor recalled that his first job after graduation was as a graduate assistant, adding that even in his previous career in the banking sector, he taught free of charge whenever he had the opportunity.
He said his decision to leave the classroom was to help a larger number of people, assuring teachers that they have someone standing with them in government.
Otti thanked Abia teachers for their labour of love and for choosing to impact and build the future generation rather than pursue money.
“We want to say thank you so much and God bless you,” he said.
He assured that his administration will continue to dedicate the largest portion of the state budget to education as a deliberate investment in the future of the society.
According to him, the ongoing construction of smart schools across the 17 LGAs and three additional locations is to make the future of education available to Abia children, not to supplant traditional education.
The governor also reaffirmed his policy of free and compulsory education and congratulated Abia children who excelled in Qatar and those who topped the 2026 NECO chart, noting that more results will be seen.
In response to the 12-point demands presented by the State Chairman of NUT, Comrade Chukwudi Kalu, Otti said the demands could be compressed into nine actionable issues and immediately gave executive orders.
He ordered the Accountant-General to pay all outstanding check-off dues within seven days, pay all teachers with verification issues and the newly recruited 4,075 teachers before the end of the month.
On promotions, he gave ASUBEB till Monday next week to harmonize the 2021/2022 promotion exercise with the Head of Service for his approval before month-end.
On the 65-year retirement age, the governor expressed surprise that it was still outstanding and ordered the immediate recall of all teachers disengaged before attaining 65.
“Honourable Commissioner, please bring all of them back. Even if it is six months before retirement, bring them back. I’ve given the approval from here,” he directed.
In his remarks the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, highlighted the indispensable role of educators in shaping the future of the state and society at large.
The Commissioner noted that under the leadership of Governor Otti education remains firmly positioned as a critical pillar of the state’s development agenda.
He said, “Every society is, to a greatest extent, shaped in the classroom, and the classroom is shaped by teachers,”
“A teacher does not merely transfer knowledge; a teacher inspires, guides, corrects, encourages, and builds character. Before many of the professionals and leaders who shape our society today became who they are, they were first learners sitting before a teacher.”
“The ongoing state reforms span teacher recruitment, professional development, modern learning infrastructure, smart schools, and the strategic integration of technology to enhance teaching capacity without replacing the vital human connection provided by educators.”
Also speaking the chairman Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Abia State Chapter, Comrade Friday Madu, commended Otti for prioritizing education in the state, while calling for improved motivation and working conditions for teachers.
Madu said this year’s theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping Our Futures,” is significant as it marks the 60th anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
According to him, the theme is not merely a celebration, but a reminder that standing with teachers is standing for the future of education and society.
“Standing with teachers must go beyond celebrating them once a year. To stand with teachers means ensuring that they are adequately motivated, fairly treated, professionally respected and properly equipped to perform their duties,” he said.
The highpoint of the celebration was the governor’s announcement of a N1 billion Teachers Appreciation Fund to be shared equally among all teachers in the state, whether they joined service 64 years ago or today.