NEWS
Abia Begins Five-Day Capacity Building for 4,074 Newly Recruited Teachers
Abia Begins Five-Day Capacity Building for 4,074 Newly Recruited Teachers
The Abia State Government has commenced a five-day intensive capacity-building programme for 4,074 newly recruited teachers, in a renewed effort to raise teaching standards, strengthen professional competence and improve learning outcomes across public schools in the state.
The training, which commenced on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Federal Government Girls’ College, Umuahia, is designed to equip the newly employed teachers with practical knowledge, modern teaching techniques and professional skills needed to deliver effective classroom instruction.
Representing Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, at the flag-off ceremony, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, described teachers as central to the success of the administration’s ongoing education reforms.
Ubochi, who spoke from the perspective of a teacher himself, stressed that investments in school infrastructure and other interventions would achieve limited results without competent, disciplined and dedicated teachers capable of translating government policies and investments into meaningful classroom outcomes.
He therefore urged the participants to make the most of the training and ensure that the knowledge and skills acquired are deployed effectively in their respective schools.
The Commissioner further charged the teachers to uphold high standards of professionalism, transparency, fairness and social responsibility in their relationships with pupils, students, colleagues and members of the wider society.
He also encouraged them to embrace continuous professional development, noting that ongoing learning would not only improve their classroom effectiveness but also open up opportunities for career advancement within the education sector.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Lady Lydia Onuoha, congratulated the newly recruited teachers and described teaching as a noble profession that carries a significant responsibility for shaping the future of society.
Lady Onuoha, who revealed that she spent 17 years as a classroom teacher before rising through the ranks, urged the participants to remain committed to their chosen profession and approach their responsibilities with pride, discipline and dedication.
She advised them to pay close attention to the facilitators, comply fully with the programme guidelines and maintain discipline throughout the five-day exercise.
The ASUBEB Chairman also emphasised the importance of professional appearance and conduct, urging the teachers to maintain a dressing style and general comportment that reflect the dignity and responsibilities associated with the teaching profession.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Ekeoma Chigozie Akidi, said the training was specifically structured to strengthen the professional capacity of the newly recruited teachers and ultimately improve the quality of education delivered in public schools across Abia.
According to her, participants would be exposed to a broad range of contemporary educational practices, including student-centred teaching methods, lesson planning, classroom management, digital literacy, technology integration, curriculum implementation, assessment techniques, quality assurance, professional ethics and child safeguarding.
Mrs. Akidi urged the teachers to approach their new responsibilities with punctuality, integrity, dedication and a willingness to continue learning throughout their careers.
She noted that teachers occupy a critical position in shaping the talents, character and future prospects of young people, adding that their level of commitment would have a direct bearing on the quality of education received by children across the state.
The Permanent Secretary commended Governor Otti for his continued support for the education sector and recognised the contributions of the Commissioner, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Ekenechukwu Nwosu, ASUBEB and other stakeholders towards the successful organisation of the training.
In her vote of thanks, the Director of Secondary Education Management Board, Mrs Christiana Eze, expressed appreciation to the state government for creating the platform for the newly recruited teachers to commence their careers with the right professional orientation.
She assured the participants that education authorities would continue to provide the necessary support and guidance to enhance their professional development and effectiveness.
The event was attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Ekenechukwu Nwosu; Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Friday Madu; Clerk of the Abia State House of Assembly, Pastor Chijioke Promise; Provost of Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, Prof. Idowu Eluwa; State Coordinator of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Dr. Adaobi Obiefuna Ezenwa; as well as education officials, facilitators, consultants and other stakeholders.
The five-day programme is expected to provide the 4,074 newly recruited teachers with the professional foundation required for effective service delivery, while strengthening the state government’s broader efforts to improve teaching quality and learning outcomes
in public schools across Abia State.
