In a sweeping move aimed at addressing the state’s educational gaps and improving human capital development, the Abia State Government has approved the recruitment of 5,300 new teachers across its public school system.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing in Umuahia on Tuesday.
The briefing followed the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Kanu, the newly recruited teachers emerged successful from a recent screening exercise conducted by the state government.
He revealed that a second phase of recruitment will begin shortly, with the application portal scheduled to reopen in the coming days.
“Education remains a central priority for this administration,” Kanu stated. “We are not only filling existing vacancies, but we are also preparing for the future by expanding access to quality teaching staff at all levels.”
In addition to the recruitment of teachers, the state executive council approved the hiring of lecturers into Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU).
These appointments are targeted at strengthening critical academic departments that have witnessed staffing deficits.
The council also sanctioned the procurement of engineering equipment worth N800 million for ABSU, as part of ongoing efforts to revamp infrastructure and raise the institution’s academic profile.
Highlighting further progress at the university, Kanu disclosed that the Governor’s promise to renovate the Male Hostel is nearing completion.
He added that a new 5,000-capacity hostel project is already underway, underscoring the administration’s commitment to transforming the campus experience.
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The Commissioner also shared positive news from the National Universities Commission, which recently granted full accreditation to several ABSU programmes — including Law, Agriculture, Mass Communication, and Educational Management and Planning — following the October/November 2024 accreditation exercise.
In a related development, Kanu announced the promotion of staff at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic — many of whom had not received promotions since 2008.
He said the long-overdue exercise was approved by the Governor and serves as a morale booster.
“The Polytechnic is also making headlines with its 100 percent pass rate in the 2nd National Institute of Science, Laboratory, and Technology modular practical exams, phase one,” he said. “Out of 164 students, all passed. In the second phase, 157 out of 158 candidates succeeded — a 99 percent success rate.”
The institution, according to him, has also made technological strides with the development of an online student clearance platform. “This innovation will significantly ease administrative processes, allowing students to conduct clearance without being physically present on campus,” he explained.
Curriculum reforms are also underway, with emerging courses in fields such as Artificial Intelligence under development.
Kanu further confirmed that a panel has been set up to investigate the recently suspended Provost of the Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu (ASCETA).
Meanwhile, ongoing construction projects in the institution are said to be progressing steadily.
The state’s proactive educational reforms reflect a broader vision by Governor Otti’s administration to reposition Abia as a hub of academic excellence, technological innovation, and inclusive human development.