Abia begins training for 4,074 newly recruited teachers

The Abia State Government commenced a five-day capacity-building workshop for the 4,074 newly recruited teachers on Tuesday.

Governor‌‌‍‌‍⁠⁠‌‍‍‌‍‍‍‌ Alex Otti declared the workshop open in Umuahia, describing teachers as the greatest beneficiaries of reforms in the education sector.

Mr Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, said the training signals the state government’s confidence in its ability to drive change.

He described the recruitment as a product of the “New Abia” spirit of transparency and merit.

“We recruited 4,074 of the 21,000, who succeeded without knowing anybody,” he said.

Mr Otti warned the new teachers to guard their jobs jealously because their names were still “written in pencil”.

“If you (newly recruited teachers) do well, the environment will notice and acknowledge you,” he said.

Milestone for Abia’s education system

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Chigozie Ekeoma, said the exercise was not a routine orientation but a milestone for the state’s education system.

She said that infrastructure alone cannot transform schools without quality teachers. “You are the operational foundation of this reform,” she said.

Mrs Ekeoma charged them to demonstrate professional dedication, punctuality and commitment to continuous improvement.

She assured them that the ministry would provide the tools, mentorship and enabling environment needed for their success.

The Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) Chairman, Lydia Onuoha, said the newly recruited teachers emerged from a rigorous process involving Computer-Based-Tests and interviews among 36,000 applicants.

She described the teaching profession as an elevated and divine calling that must…