The Abia government has called upon the 5,349 newly appointed teachers across nursery, primary, and secondary schools in the state to demonstrate unwavering commitment, dedication, and respect in their service.
Goodluck Ubochi, the state commissioner for basic and secondary education, delivered this message on Saturday in Aba during the conclusion of the teachers’ training program.
He urged the educators to approach their responsibilities with diligence, passion, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, emphasizing their vital role in shaping the minds of young learners.
“Starting September 22, we will begin to gauge the impact of this significant addition to our educational sector,” Ubochi stated. “This marks a new era for Abia, characterized by a renewed spirit that everyone must contribute to.”
The commissioner highlighted that the newly appointed teachers were meticulously chosen from over 30,000 applications submitted online.
Ubochi encouraged the teachers to demonstrate capability and determination, cautioning that promotions would only be granted based on a documented improvement in their professional journey. “The age of mediocrity is over; remaining stagnant in your position is possible if you fail to showcase your abilities,” he warned.
He also announced plans to recruit an additional 4,000 teachers, with efforts underway to expedite the hiring process.
Ubochi praised Governor Alex Otti for his strong commitment to enhancing the education sector and ensuring high-quality education throughout the state. He urged the new teachers to act as change agents by encouraging participation in the ongoing voter registration initiative in rural and local communities.
In a supportive message, Uchechukwu Kalu, the permanent secretary of the ministry, emphasized the importance of taking their roles seriously and committing fully to the teaching profession. “Teaching is not merely a job; it is a vocation that requires your dedication,” she advised.
Friday Madu, the state chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), acknowledged the significance of teachers and announced that the union would honor Governor Otti on October 5, in celebration of World Teachers’ Day, for his transformative leadership in education.
The 12-day training, part of the AbiaFIRST Education Programme, was conducted simultaneously in Aba and Umuahia, equipping teachers with the essential skills needed to deliver high-quality education, facilitated by the Education Reform and Innovation Team (ERIT).
