Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in the education sector as part of efforts to reposition the state for long-term development.
The governor made this known while receiving members of the East Regional Working Committee of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), led by the Regional Chairman and Enugu State Chairman, Odo Nweke, at Government House, Umuahia.
Otti said his administration has consistently allocated 20 per cent of the state’s annual budget to education for three consecutive years, noting that the commitment reflects the priority his government places on the sector.
“We are very intentional because we know the outcomes we expect. We take education very seriously, and the simple reason is that none of us would probably be sitting here today if we were not educated,” the governor said.
He explained that his administration has embarked on the renovation and construction of schools, improved teachers’ remuneration, and prioritised the recruitment and training of teachers to enhance learning outcomes across the state.
According to him, the government is already witnessing positive results from the reforms and investments in the education sector.
“We are looking at school enrolment and the performance of students in different areas. We are working to ensure that the results speak for the investments we are making,” Otti added.
The governor also acknowledged the requests presented by the teachers’ union and assured them that his administration would give them due consideration.
He commended the union for recognising the efforts of his government in improving the education system.
Earlier, NUT Regional Chairman, Comrade Nweke, who noted that the committee represents teachers in the nine states of the old Eastern Region, commended the governor for policies and initiatives aimed at improving teachers’ welfare and the education sector in Abia State.
He said the union decided to visit the governor to express appreciation for his commitment to education and teachers’ welfare.
“We have heard much about Dr Alex Otti and considered it necessary to come and say thank you, sir. If we begin to enumerate what you have done, they are many,” Nweke said.
He cited the allocation of 20 per cent of the state budget to education, the recruitment of 5,394 teachers and the ongoing recruitment of another 4,000 teachers, regular payment of teachers’ salaries, and the settlement of 17 months’ salary arrears owed by the previous administration as some of the governor’s achievements.
Nweke also applauded the government for the construction of smart schools across the state and the approval of a 65-year retirement age for teachers, among other reforms.
Among those present during the visit were the Secretary to the State Government, Emmanuel Meribeole; Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi; Special Adviser on Education, Kenechukwu Nwosu; and the Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Lydia Onuoha, among others.
