A total of 28,213 applicants have applied for 4,000 teaching positions advertised by the Abia State Government. The Commissioner for Information in the State, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday in Umuahia, the state capital, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s state executive council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
He said the employment was the second batch of the teachers recruitment exercise, which officially commenced with the opening of the application portal on November 6, 2025, and which closed officially on Friday, November 29, 2025. He explained that following the closure of submissions, applicants were granted a review window to verify and correct their application details.
He said, “The window for verification of submissions closes this week. The applicants will be sent thereafter to sit for computer-based tests. Those who pass the tests will now go for the interview. It is worthy to recall that the state government plans to employ an additional 4,000 teachers from this exercise, to add to the 5,394 teachers earlier employed sometime in the last year.”
Kanu also noted that, in line with the state government’s continuous effort to safeguard the lives and properties of Abia residents, steps have been taken to inaugurate the Abia State Safe Schools Steering Committee. He said the committee was set up as part of the government’s response to the growing need to secure educational institutions in the state following emerging security concerns across the country.
According to him, “During the inauguration, it was highlighted that the committee will serve as a multi-sectoral strategic platform to coordinate state-level implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, to develop and monitor safeguard and protection protocols for schools across the state. Stakeholders from the education, security, humanitarian, and civil sectors are encouraged to mobilise financial and technical resources for safer learning spaces across the state.”
The Commissioner also revealed that the state has continued to make progress in its digitalisation drive through the Office of the Chief Information Officer. He said the office had recorded several major digital milestones.
He explained, “First is the establishment of a Document Installation Bureau, which the Office of the CIO jointly established with the Ministry of Lands, and this is for land records and processing. This is one of the first around the state. The second milestone is the establishment of a centralised online recruitment platform. This will enable access and equity in government employment. The third digital milestone is the redesigned Abia State Government website, which now serves as a primary source of all key government information about the state. The fourth and final milestone is the implementation of the e-Health Project with six pilot institutions automating their records and hospital management.”
Kanu said the state government has also procured and distributed laptops to all senior government officials as part of its effort to digitalise public service operations. He said this move was designed to improve efficiency and promote a culture of excellence among government workers.
“This is the first of its kind in the state, and the state government is one that encourages its workers to be the best they can be,” the Commissioner added.
He further stated that the Ministry of Education had commenced monitoring school resumption across the state to ensure compliance with reopening guidelines. He noted that education officers are being deployed to oversee both basic and secondary education levels, ensuring that schools resume smoothly and maintain proper standards.
Kanu said work is progressing across the state on the government’s mass school projects. He pointed out that the state has achieved significant milestones in infrastructure, equipment, and teacher training for the smart schools being developed under the initiative.
He said, “A very significant milestone has been recorded in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and training for the teachers who will run the smart schools in the state when fully operational. Two of the smart schools may be off for commissioning sometime in February.”
Speaking further, the Commissioner confirmed that the State’s urban mass transit operation officially commenced on December 24, 2025. He described the initiative as part of Governor Alex Otti’s plan to improve mobility and reduce transportation challenges within the state.
He said, “The scheme commenced with three inter- and intra-city bus rides. During the two-week pilot period, operations were conducted across key mobility corridors within the state. Currently on offer are three intra-city routes in Umuahia and three intra-city routes in Aba. Other routes on offer are inter-city corridors from Aba to Umuahia and from Umuahia to Ohafia, respectively. Bus deployments during this period range from four buses on low-demand days to 17 buses on peak operational days.”
Kanu said the pilot phase recorded a strong commuter response, with thousands of residents participating in the free test rides. According to him, “The pilot phase, of course, has recorded a very strong commuter response, indicating trust in government-led transport initiatives. Within this pilot phase, over 31,500 passengers have enjoyed these free bus rides and counted. In the days ahead, full commercial operations will commence.”
He also stated that the infrastructure supporting the mass transit service is nearing completion. These include the construction of a bus terminal in Umuahia, improvement works at key junctions in the city, and the installation of charging stations for electric-powered buses.
The Commissioner noted that the progress being recorded across different sectors of the state reflects the administration’s commitment to improving education, transport, digital governance, and public service delivery. He said the government will continue to implement projects that bring value to residents while maintaining transparency and inclusiveness in all its recruitment and development efforts.
Throughout the briefing, Prince Okey Kanu emphasised that the government of Abia State, under Governor Alex Otti, remains focused on providing better opportunities for teachers, students, and citizens at large through education, innovation, and sustainable infrastructure.
