More than 32,000 people have applied for just 4,000 teaching positions in Abia State, a development Governor Alex Otti says reflects the renewed respect and appeal of the teaching profession.
Governor Otti disclosed this on Tuesday during the funeral service of late Chief Emmanuel Emeaso at Umuekegbe, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
According to him, his administration’s reforms—especially improved welfare and a free, compulsory education policy—have made teaching more attractive than many other civil service jobs.
“The teaching profession used to command dignity in the days of Chief Emeaso,” Otti said. “We have brought that dignity back.”
He recalled that 5,394 teachers were earlier recruited and resumed work in September, but rising school enrolment made additional hiring necessary.
Otti assured applicants that the ongoing recruitment exercise would be based strictly on merit, just as in the first phase.
He also noted that school buildings across the state are being constructed and renovated to create a better learning environment for pupils and teachers.
Speaking on the deceased, the governor described Chief Emeaso—who died at 97—as a principled leader who valued education despite the challenges of his time.
He praised the late elder statesman’s service in politics and traditional leadership, saying his life was marked by dignity, fairness, and commitment to community service.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
