Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reaffirmed his administration's resolve to implement reforms in the education sector, asserting that education serves as the "foundation for sustainable development".
Otti made this statement during a visit from the East Regional Working Committee of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), headed by Chairman Nweke Odo, held in Nvosi within the Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
He remarked that education is pivotal to his government's development strategy, underscoring that societal progress is heavily dependent on the quality of its educational base.
Expressing gratitude to the union, he acknowledged their appreciation of what he referred to as the "modest efforts of the government in enhancing education and other sectors" within the state.
"We take education very seriously. If you ignore the very foundation of humanity, then every other thing you are doing is a waste of time," the governor stated.
He pointed out that many challenges faced by society can be traced back to the lack of education, adding, "When people are educated, their thinking changes, and the opportunities available to them expand."
Furthermore, Otti stated that the Abia State Government has consistently allocated one-fifth of its yearly budget to education due to its significant impact on human development and societal progress.
"None of us would be here if we weren't educated, including the teachers. That's why we have committed one-fifth of our budget to education over the last three years, and this commitment will persist as long as I am in office," he assured.
He promised the delegation that the government would examine their requests for a bus and the completion of the Teachers' House among other necessities.
Earlier, Chairman Odo praised Governor Otti for his impressive contributions to the educational landscape of Abia State.
He indicated that the committee represents teachers from the nine states of the former Eastern Region, which includes Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Rivers, and Bayelsa, noting that their visit was to recognize the governor's efforts.
"We have been informed of Dr. Alex Otti's achievements, and we felt it was essential to come and express our gratitude," Mr. Odo remarked.
Odo highlighted the impact of the governor's allocation of 20% of the state budget to education, the hiring of teachers, and the resolution of salary arrears, which have greatly improved the welfare of educators in Abia.
He noted that the recruitment of 5,300 teachers and the ongoing process to hire an additional 4,000 signifies a significant enhancement of educational staffing within a short time since the governor took office.
Odo also commended the regular payment of salaries and the resolution of 17 months' salary arrears owed to teachers by the previous administration.
Additionally, he applauded the construction of smart schools and the approval of a harmonized retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service for teachers.
He encouraged other governors in the region to follow Otti's lead in educational commitment, assuring him of the continued support of teachers in Abia and throughout the eastern region.
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