Business
Abia govt moves to address teachers’ salary disparity, rolls out fresh incentives
The Abia State Government has initiated discussions with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to resolve long-standing salary disparities between primary school teachers and their counterparts in junior secondary schools.
Speaking at a media briefing in Government House, Umuahia, following this week’s State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, revealed that the Council had mandated the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, to immediately engage with the NUT to find a resolution to the issue.
Prince Kanu acknowledged that the disparities in remuneration were a remnant of the policies of the previous administration, which had introduced a discriminatory payment structure. This led many qualified teachers to abandon classrooms for positions in government ministries or to exit the profession entirely, causing a serious manpower deficit in the education sector.
Since taking office, Governor Alex Otti’s administration has taken steps to reverse the trend. Many of the affected teachers have been retrained and redeployed to schools. The administration has also launched comprehensive reforms aimed at revitalizing the education sector.
A key part of these reforms is the teacher training programme, which has reached its second phase. Approximately 2,300 teachers across the state have been trained in modern, competency-based teaching methods to align with 21st-century educational standards.
Reacting to growing speculation about an impending strike by some teachers over salary issues, Prince Kanu said:
“Yes, a section of teachers has expressed dissatisfaction with salary-related concerns, particularly the pay gap between primary and junior secondary school teachers. But the situation has been exaggerated by opposition elements for political gain.”
He emphasized that Abia remains among the first states in Nigeria to implement the new national minimum wage of N70,000, and continues to pay salaries and pensions regularly.
To further incentivize teachers and encourage those who left classroom roles to return, the government has approved selective compensation packages. Additionally, the retirement age for teachers has been increased from 60 to 65 years.
“These are intentional, well-thought-out policies aimed at motivating teachers and addressing the challenges in our education sector,” Kanu said.
He also decried the spread of fake news by political opponents, warning that the government would not hesitate to invoke the provisions of the Cybercrime Act against those spreading falsehoods.
“They are falsely attributing statements to the governor in an attempt to incite ethnic tension or cause friction with the federal government. But the people of Abia know the truth,” he added.
Kanu reiterated the administration’s openness to constructive criticism but condemned deliberate misinformation, which he described as unpatriotic.
“Governor Otti came into office with a promise to bring hope and change to Abians. In just 23 months, his administration has delivered significantly, even though there’s still work to be done,” he stated.
In the health sector, the Commissioner announced that the Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology had secured accreditation for several programmes, including Community Health Technology, Public Health Technology, Health Technology, and Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
He also revealed progress in the state’s infrastructure efforts, including the completion of a 60KWP solar power installation and a computer-based training center in Isialangwa South Local Government Area. These projects are part of a broader policy to ensure even development across the state.
Furthermore, rural water projects are ongoing in Umuahia North, Isialangwa South, and Arochukwu.
On economic development, Prince Kanu announced that the state government would host the Abia State Start-Up Forum in collaboration with the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) on Thursday. The forum, scheduled to hold at Hotel Royal Damgrete in Umuahia, aims to bring stakeholders together to promote and support technology start-ups across the state.
