Governor Otti Salutes Teachers on World Teachers’ Day, Reaffirms Commitment to Education Reform

Governor Otti Salutes Teachers on World Teachers’ Day, Reaffirms Commitment to Education Reform

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has paid heartfelt tribute to teachers across the state, describing them as “nation builders, torchbearers of knowledge, and architects of tomorrow.”

Speaking during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Umuahia, Governor Otti.represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu commended the resilience and unwavering dedication of educators in shaping the future of Abia.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to educational development, the governor highlighted a series of reforms and welfare improvements already underway. These include prompt salary payments, enhanced welfare packages, and ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers.

He also spotlighted the AbiaFIRST Education Programme, a major education reform initiative aimed at expanding access to quality education across the state. The programme includes free and compulsory education from Primary 1 to Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), construction of Smart Schools, and a comprehensive upgrade of public school infrastructure.

“Education is the bedrock of any meaningful development,” Otti stated, thanking teachers for their tireless contributions to the state’s progress.

In his presentation, Professor Maduebibisi Iwe, Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, described teaching as a collaborative and impactful profession. He identified major challenges facing the sector, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, logistical setbacks, and the undervaluation of the teaching profession.

Also addressing the gathering, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, underscored the vital role of educators in national development.

“The strength of any society lies in the value it places on its teachers,” Ubochi said, applauding Governor Otti for restoring dignity to the teaching profession in Abia.

Representing the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the union’s National Representative for Imo State, Comrade Anokwuru Ebere, who stood in for the National President, Comrade Titus Amba, reflected on the global importance of World Teachers’ Day, first marked by UNESCO in 1994.

He praised the state government’s efforts in embracing educational reforms and aligning with teachers’ welfare, while calling for additional support in areas such as teacher training, smart classrooms, and improved working conditions.

“Preparing our teachers for the future through robust support systems is vital for effective learning,” he emphasized.

Delivering the keynote address, Abia NUT Chairman, Comrade Madu Friday Chukwujekwu, aligned this year’s theme “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession” with the sub-theme “Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow.” He emphasized the need for shared responsibility in advancing the education sector.

He commended Governor Otti for prioritizing education in the 2025 state budget, the recent mass recruitment of teachers, and the rollout of free, compulsory basic education.

“The future we desire depends on how we treat and support our teachers today,” Chukwujekwu said.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Goodluck Ogbonna, Coordinator of the 2025 batch of newly recruited Abia teachers, expressed gratitude to the governor for offering them employment. She pledged the group’s commitment to delivering quality education to children across the state.

World Teachers’ Day, celebrated annually on October 5, honors the vital contributions of teachers worldwide and recognizes their pivotal role in shaping minds, building character, and inspiring future generations.