With just 2,500 available roles, the Abia State Government has revealed that 17,000 applicants have submitted their credentials for teaching positions in primary and secondary schools across the state. During a press briefing following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, reviewed the information. The teaching vacancies, which target primary and secondary schools, are part of the state’s efforts to reform its Education sector. Last week, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education opened online recruitment portals, and the response has been massive.
The recruitment process is designed to ensure transparency and meritocracy. Shortlisted candidates will first undergo a computer-based test, followed by an oral interview for those who qualify. The goal is to select the most competent applicants to address the growing demand for educators, especially in light of the government’s free education policy introduced in January. This policy has caused a significant increase in school enrollments, particularly in urban areas such as Aba, where some schools have seen their student populations grow ten times greater.
Government targets ₦120 billion in internally generated revenue for 2025.
In addition to addressing the education sector, the state government also focuses on boosting its internally generated Revenue (IGR). Commissioner Okey Kanu revealed that the state aims to generate ₦120 billion in IGR by 2025, marking a 207 percent increase over the previous year’s target. Besides, the state has already made notable strides in revenue generation, surpassing its 2024 target of ₦32 billion by an additional ₦7 billion. The government is implementing various strategies, including improving Tax Collection mechanisms and encouraging residents to fulfil their financial obligations. The administration has also announced plans to reintroduce Waste Management fees previously waived to allow for the state’s cleanup.
Meanwhile, with many candidates for few positions, it is evident that the state faces a significant oversupply of qualified job seekers. This trend is likely fueled by a combination of factors, including a high Unemployment rate, limited job opportunities, and the attractiveness of teaching positions. The state’s economic landscape has struggled to generate sufficient employment, leaving many residents eager to secure any available job, even if it is not their preferred career path. The teaching roles are particularly appealing due to their stability, benefits, and opportunities to contribute to the education sector.
Their impacts on healthcare and infrastructure development.
Also, they have made notable progress in healthcare and Infrastructure development. A recent medical mission conducted by Revive, a Belgium-based medical group, at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) in Aba was a resounding success. The mission performed 114 major surgeries, including complex procedures, and treated over 915 patients with various medical conditions. The initiative also facilitated the acquisition of advanced medical equipment for ABSUTH, significantly boosting the hospital’s capacity to provide quality healthcare.
Likewise, on infrastructure, the government has awarded contracts for rural road maintenance across several local government areas, including Isuikwuato, Isialangwa North and South, Obingwa, Ikwuano, Ukwa East, and Ugwunagbo. These projects, funded under the World Bank-sponsored Abia State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, aim to improve rural connectivity and support agricultural activities. In fact, contractors are expected to begin work soon on 59 kilometres of roads to enhance access to markets for rural farmers and stimulate economic development.
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Lastly, the state leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has accused the government of misleading them while signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to clear outstanding Pension debts. However, Commissioner Kanu dismissed these claims as baseless and accused the NUP leadership of insincerity and propaganda. He emphasised that the government has consistently paid 100 percent of pensions since taking office and has made progress in clearing arrears accumulated by previous administrations. The government has expressed its commitment to the Welfare of pensioners and workers, noting that no previous administration has shown as much concern for their well-being.