Governor Otti Re-engages Teachers Retired Before 65

On October 5, 2026, during the World Teachers’ Day celebration in Umuahia, Abia State Governor Alex Otti announced the re-engagement of teachers who were retired at age 60 but have not yet reached the new retirement age of 65. Otti instructed the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education to ensure that any teacher under 65 who had been disengaged should be reinstated.

He expressed surprise that this issue remained unresolved and emphasized his administration's commitment to fairness and transparency. Additionally, Otti directed the payment of all outstanding check-off dues owed to teachers within seven days and mandated that salaries for those delayed due to verification issues be settled by the end of October.

He also called for the resolution of outstanding promotions for 2021 and 2022 by the end of the month. The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, affirmed the government's prioritization of education, while Nigeria Union of Teachers Chairman Madu ChukwuJekwu commended the administration's efforts in the education sector.