Education Sector Celebrates as Abia Governor Approves Salary Adjustments for Teachers
In a significant development for Nigeria's education sector, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has approved the payment of adjusted minimum wage to staff of the Abia State Education Management Board and teachers across the state. This move, announced on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Umuahia, marks a pivotal step in addressing long-standing issues of salary delays and enhancing the welfare of education personnel.
Governor's Commitment to Timely Payments
The Special Adviser to Governor Otti on Basic and Secondary Education, Kenechukwu Nwosu, confirmed the approval in a statement, emphasizing the administration's dedication to ensuring that all education workers receive their entitlements promptly. Nwosu highlighted that this initiative is part of broader efforts to improve conditions for teachers and staff, who play a crucial role in shaping the future of Abia State's youth.
He explained, "The government is committed to ensuring that all education personnel receive their entitlements promptly. We are making steady progress on processing leave allowances for SEMB staff and teachers, and we are also arranging payments for teachers whose services were previously extended for five years but later discontinued due to system-related issues."
Addressing Previous Delays and Compliance
It was gathered that delays in processing salaries and allowances had previously affected some staff and teachers, particularly those whose extended service contracts had lapsed. The recent payment aims to clear these outstanding entitlements and ensure full compliance with the adjusted wage structure, which was initially approved in 2023 in line with federal directives.
Nwosu commended Governor Otti for prioritizing the education sector and consistently demonstrating commitment to the well-being of teachers and other education personnel. This approval is expected to boost morale and productivity within the state's education system, fostering a more conducive learning environment.
Broader Context of Teacher Welfare in Nigeria
This development comes amid ongoing national debates about teacher remuneration in Nigeria. Recently, outrage erupted on social media over the alleged low salary of an Enugu smart school teacher with 12 years of experience, highlighting the stark contrast between teacher pay and that of lawmakers and politicians. Many have decried this disparity, calling for urgent reforms to improve teacher welfare nationwide.
In a related proposal, Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare, advocated for sweeping changes in Nigeria's education sector, including higher academic qualifications and a substantial salary increase for teachers, such as a proposed N400,000 monthly wage. While some support these measures to raise standards, others argue for balancing accessibility and practicality in implementation.
The approval by Governor Otti sets a positive precedent, potentially inspiring other states to follow suit in addressing teacher welfare issues. As Abia State moves forward with these payments, the education community watches with hope for continued progress in enhancing the sector's overall health and effectiveness.
