Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti OFR, has disclosed that about 32,000 people have applied in the second batch of the ongoing recruitment of an additional 4,000 teachers in the state, showing strong interest in the teaching profession.
The Governor said his administration has restored the dignity of teaching in Abia State, making teaching jobs more attractive than Civil Service positions. He explained that deliberate policies have been put in place to improve welfare, working conditions, and the general image of teachers in public schools.
Governor Otti recalled that earlier in the year, the state government recruited 5,394 teachers in the first batch of the exercise, all of whom have since resumed work from September. According to him, the recruitment has helped to strengthen learning in public schools but more teachers are still needed.
The Governor made these remarks during the funeral service of the late Chief Emmanuel Enyidedeya Emeaso, also known as Olu Eji Eje MBA 1, who was laid to rest in his country home of Umuekegbe in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State. The funeral service was conducted by the Eziama-Nvosi District, Aba North Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
While addressing the gathering, Governor Otti drew attention to the ongoing construction of new school buildings and the renovation of existing ones at the burial venue. He informed the people that similar projects are taking place in many schools across different parts of the state and are at various stages of completion.
He said the idea behind the massive school renewal is to return public schools to what they used to be in the past. He noted that teaching was once a highly respected profession during the era of the late Chief Emeaso and his father.
“Teaching profession was a dignified profession long time ago when Late Chief Emeaso and the likes of his father were teachers,” the Governor said.
“We have returned dignity to the teaching profession. You know that we recruited 5,394 teachers who resumed work in September. We saw that the number was not enough based on the massive increase in enrolment because of the free and compulsory education that we declared,” he added.
Governor Otti stated that the government deliberately made teaching more attractive than Civil Service jobs in order to encourage qualified people to join the profession and improve learning outcomes in public schools.
He further disclosed that two weeks earlier, when he checked the recruitment portal for the additional 4,000 teachers, more than 32,000 applications had already been submitted. He assured applicants that the process would be transparent and merit based.
“All the applicants will go through the processes involved in the recruitment, as everything would be on merit, as was done during the previous recruitment,” the Governor said.
Speaking on the life of the late Chief Emeaso, Governor Otti described him as a contemporary of his late father, Pastor Lazarus N. Otti, who passed on over 30 years ago. He said there was no need for excessive mourning, as Chief Emeaso lived a full life and passed away at the ripe age of 97.
In his condolence message to the family, addressed to Elder Obinna Emeaso, the Governor described the death of Chief Emeaso, who died on June 8, 2025, as a huge loss to the family, the church, and the entire Isiala Ngwa South area.
“Chief Emeaso was a respected elder statesman, seasoned administrator, and visionary leader who learned early the virtues of discipline, hard work, and responsibility. Despite the limitations of his time, he embraced education with uncommon zeal,” Governor Otti said.
He noted that the late Chief distinguished himself as a man of principle, adding that his leadership roles in the National Party of Nigeria, the National Republican Convention, and later the All People’s Party reflected loyalty, wisdom, and courage.
Governor Otti added that Chief Emeaso, who was honoured as Olu Eji Eje Mba 1 and served as Chairman of the Isiala-Nvosi Council of Chiefs, brought dignity and fairness to leadership. He urged the family to take comfort in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life and contributed greatly to his community.
The Governor was accompanied to the burial by the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, the member representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, the member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, Hon. Roland Chinwendu, the Commissioner representing Abia State in the Federal Character Commission, High Chief Victor Ikeji Ph.D, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engineer Ikechukwu Monday, and the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South, Hon. Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu, among others.
