In a significant move to support educators, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has approved a N1 billion appreciation fund for teachers and ordered the reinstatement of teachers who were disengaged but are below the statutory retirement age of 65. This announcement was made during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Umuahia on Monday.

Governor Otti emphasized that no teacher under the age of 65 should remain out of service due to previous dismissals. He stated that the N1 billion fund would be distributed equally among all teachers in the state, regardless of their tenure in the profession. "I have instructed the Accountant-General of the State to share money equally to all of you. Whether you joined today or you joined 64 years ago, the total amount that I have — the amount for all of you — is one billion naira," Otti declared.

In addition to the fund, the governor directed that all teachers whose salaries had been withheld due to verification issues receive their payments by the end of October. He also ordered the immediate payment of salaries to 4,075 newly recruited teachers who have not yet received their wages.

Otti's directives included a clear instruction to the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education to reinstate all affected teachers under 65 years of age. He stated, "You don’t require any further approval, I’ve given the approval from here — please bring all of them back, even if it is six months before retirement. Bring them back."

Addressing promotion arrears, the governor instructed the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) to finalize the processing of teachers’ promotions for 2021 and 2022, ensuring that these promotions are completed by the end of October. He also mandated the immediate payment of outstanding check-off dues, giving the Accountant-General a seven-day deadline to clear these arrears.

Otti highlighted that many concerns raised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers had been addressed, while others were still being worked on. He reiterated his administration's commitment to fairness and transparency in governance, emphasizing that investment in education is crucial for the state's development. The ongoing establishment of smart schools across the 17 local government areas is part of this vision, aimed at preparing students for the future while maintaining traditional educational standards.

In his address, Otti congratulated Abia pupils who excelled in the international schools debate championship in Qatar and those who achieved top results in the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.

Earlier, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, noted that the theme of this year’s World Teachers’ Day, “Standing with Teachers: Protecting the Profession, Advancing Citizens, and Serving Our Teachers,” emphasizes the vital role of teachers in nation-building. He outlined ongoing reforms in teacher recruitment, professional development, and infrastructure improvements.

The state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers acknowledged the progress made in the education sector, including increased budget allocations and the extension of the teachers’ retirement age from 60 to 65. However, he called for continued improvements in teachers’ welfare and the resolution of outstanding issues. The celebration featured a march-past by teachers from across the state, highlighting their dedication and commitment to education.