The Abia State government has successfully obtained accreditation for the Abia State College of Education Technical in Arochukwu, following several years of dormancy.
Ferdinand Ekeoma, the media aide to the governor, announced this on Monday after the State Executive Council meeting held in Umuahia.
Mr Ekeoma stated that the college had been “literally non-existent” prior to the government’s intervention, which included restoring electricity, water supply, fencing, and improving internal road access.
“The government initiated the idea of recruitment, and thus cannot recruit staff without addressing their needs. I would also like to inform you that the accreditation was granted just 48 hours ago,” he added.
He highlighted that employees of the college were owed approximately 27 months of salary arrears, a situation that the current administration has begun to rectify. He described the restoration of the college’s accreditation as “a rekindling of hope” for both students and graduates whose prospects had been adversely affected.
Regarding the posting of teachers across the state, Mr Ekeoma clarified that these postings were not intended to be punitive. Instead, he explained, they were designed to enhance productivity and prevent teachers from spending their entire earnings on transportation.
He noted that some individuals who had accepted postings to rural areas “misinterpreted” the government’s decision and later sought redeployment to urban centres such as Umuahia and Aba.
Mr Ekeoma further explained that the government plans to employ teachers from local communities to address underrepresentation and ensure that rural schools are adequately staffed.
On the topics of promotions and allowances, he revealed that the government would adopt a comprehensive approach rather than treating teachers as a separate entity from other sectors.
He added that the committee overseeing this matter includes the accountant-general, the head of service, and other senior officials, noting that “the preliminary report is ready.”
Mr Ekeoma asserted that the current administration’s reforms have improved the system, confirming that the government is not in arrears with any pension payments at present.
He stated that the same process utilised for pension payments would be applied to leave allowances and gratuities to ensure fairness and accountability.
(NAN)
