ABIA REWARDS TEACHERS WITH TOYOTA CAMRY CARS

Three teachers from public schools in Abia state have become proud owners of Toyota Camry cars courtesy of the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, as part of activities marking this year’s World Teachers Day.

At a raffle draw organized by the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Collaboration with the state government and held at Ibeku High School. Umuahia, the winners, drawn from the three senatorial zones of the state were presented with the car keys of the brand new vehicles.

Presenting the keys to the lucky winners who include, Mrs Ugochukwu Nwamaka of Ikwuano LGA, Mrs Okelua James of Aba North and Okwara Uwaoma from Arochukwu LGA, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu said that the gesture was in appreciation of the roles, teachers in the state have played in making the state proud by ensuring that Abia maintain the first position in West African Examination Council (WAEC) conducted examinations for the past four years.

Represented by his deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, the governor used the forum to announced that his administration has approved the recommendations and modalities for the de- articulation of junior secondary schools from Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB) to Abia State Basic Universal Education Board (ASUBEB) which would ensure regular payment of teachers salaries and improvement in their working conditions.

He further stated that government was investigating if schools handover to their private owners meet government standard while the ones that failed the compliance test would have their approval revoked.

Dr Ikpeazu equally assured that priority attention would continue to be given to training and retraining of teachers in the state.

In her address, the Chairman on the occasion and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Joyce Chizuru Uchendu who stated that the event with the theme,” Young Teachers ; the future of the profession is to create awareness of the importance of the teaching profession and disclosed that the governor is aware of the plight of the teachers and is making efforts to address issues bordering on payment of salaries.

Also in his address, The President, Nigerian Union of Teachers, Dr. Mohammed Nasir Idris represented by Dir Macs Nnaji said the day provide them the opportunity to take stock of developments in the education sector and called for upward review of the retirement of age of teachers and Education officers fro. 60-65 years reform in teachers salary structure and payment of teachers gratuity and pension among others.

In their address, the state chairman, NUT, Comrade Kizito Kalu and the Acting Chairman, ASUBEB , Elder T.O Anonaba said the world teachers day focus on appreciating , assessing and improving the education system and provide an opportunity to consider issues related to teachers and thanked the governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for his friendly disposition towards teachers in the state.

Charles reporting from deputy governor’s office.

5th October 2019