Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has announced that his administration intends to employ a minimum of 5,000 teachers to address the shortage in primary and secondary schools. In his inaugural speech at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Monday, Otti disclosed his administration’s plan to employ at least 5,000 teachers to address the shortage in primary and secondary schools. He stated that this was part of his administration’s commitment to rebuilding the school system, which would produce quality students that would be relevant to the needs of modern society.

The governor also noted that he would work with his team and relevant stakeholders within the next month to design an appropriate framework for the recruitment process. The governor emphasized that young graduates in education, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as those willing to serve in rural communities, would be given priority.

He said: “We shall see to it that our teachers undergo regular refresher courses to update their knowledge and teaching skills so that they will stay relevant in their chosen fields.

“It must also be stated that under our government, teachers shall never be shabbily treated as reportedly had been the custom in the past.

“The paucity of infrastructure in our educational system shall be addressed stridently.”

Meanwhile, Otti has also declared a state of emergency on refuse disposal and waste management in Umuahia and Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state. He emphasized that a healthy urban environment would be a top priority for his government and has directed the State Environmental Protection Agency to evacuate all refuse heaps within the two cities.

The governor has also announced that his administration will commence the payment of May salaries and pensions to all civil servants and retirees in the next few days.

“There shall be no more distinction between the so-called ‘core’ and ‘non-core’ civil servants in the state.

“From June, all salary and pension obligations of the state would be settled by the 28th of every month.

“My commitment during my campaigns to pay off all outstanding salary and pension arrears remains sacrosanct.

“Within the next one week, I shall set up appropriate mechanisms to ensure that all legitimate employees and retirees are identified and paid their due entitlements,” Otti said.

Governor Otti emerged victorious in the March 18 governorship election under the banner of the Labour Party.

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