Otti Announces N1bn Teachers Appreciation Fund

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced a N1bn Teachers Appreciation Fund for teachers across the state as part of activities marking the 2026 Teachers’ Day celebration.

Otti made the announcement while addressing teachers at the celebration, themed “Standing With The Teachers,” where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of teachers.

The governor said he considered himself a teacher and assured educators that his administration would continue to support them and prioritise education in the state.

According to him, the government would continue to dedicate a significant portion of its budget to education because of its importance to the future of the state.

He said the administration was investing in smart schools across the 17 local government areas and three additional locations, noting that the initiative was aimed at preparing students for the future without replacing traditional education.

Otti also reaffirmed the government’s policy of free and compulsory education and congratulated Abia students who performed well in WAEC and NECO examinations.

Addressing challenges raised by the state leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, the governor said several of the issues had already been addressed by his administration.

He directed the Accountant-General of the state to ensure that outstanding check-off dues owed to teachers were paid within seven days.

Otti also ordered that workers who had remained unpaid due to verification issues should receive their salaries on or before the end of October.

He further directed the payment of salaries owed to the 4,075 newly recruited teachers before the end of the month.

On promotions, particularly those covering 2021 and 2022, the governor said the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, ASUBEB, had been given a deadline to conclude the process and forward it for approval.

Otti also ordered the reinstatement of teachers below the age of 65 who had been disengaged, following the extension of the retirement age.

“I have given the approval from here. Please bring all of them back, even if it is six months before retirement,” he directed.

The governor said his administration was committed to fairness and transparency in dealing with teachers and other public servants.

He disclosed that the N1bn Teachers Appreciation Fund would be shared equally among teachers in the state.

Otti said the payment would be made directly to teachers and would be identified as the “2026 Teachers Appreciation Fund.”

He thanked teachers for their contribution to building future
generations, stressing that the impact of education extended beyond the classroom.

The governor said his administration would continue to invest in education and other areas aimed at preparing Abia for technological and economic changes.

He described teachers as key partners in the development of the state and assured them of continued government support.