The Abia State Government has shortlisted 24,023 applicants for a Computer Based Test as part of the second phase of its ongoing teacher recruitment exercise, aimed at employing 4,000 new teachers across the state.
Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu disclosed this while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti. He said the recruitment drive is progressing steadily, noting that 36,415 applications were received, with successful candidates advancing to the Computer Based Test stage. The examination date, he added, will be announced later.
Kanu recalled that the state recruited 5,394 teachers last year and said the current phase reflects continued efforts to strengthen classroom capacity. He also highlighted the rollout of the Education Management and Information System, designed to integrate data across primary and secondary schools to support planning, monitoring, and measurable academic outcomes.
Further updates from the council meeting included the resumption of the mass literacy and non formal education programme for adults across the state’s 17 local government areas for the 2025 to 2026 academic session. The initiative targets school dropouts, traders, artisans, and other adult learners, with an ongoing sensitisation campaign to boost enrolment.
On youth development, the commissioner announced that Abia’s contingent to the National Basic Education Schools Sports Games emerged overall best in athletics, securing eight gold medals and additional honours. He described the performance as evidence of the administration’s investment in school sports, adding that the governor plans to host the team.
Kanu also pointed to sustained improvements in academic performance, stating that Abia has ranked as the top performing state in National Examinations Council examinations for three consecutive years, which he attributed to ongoing education reforms.
Infrastructure upgrades were also reviewed, with the Ministry of Works executing direct labour maintenance projects across 48 sites statewide. Completed works include road rehabilitation projects in Bende, Ikwuano, and Isialangwa South local government areas, with additional projects added to the ministry’s schedule.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education Goodluck Ubochi explained that the new education data system will allow authorities to track pupils’ academic progress and school transfers across both public and private institutions.
Officials reiterated that the Computer Based Test date for the recruitment exercise will be communicated once finalised. The briefing was attended by Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity Ferdinand Ekeoma, alongside other government representatives.
