28,213 applicants have applied for 4,000 teaching positions advertised by the Abia State Government.

The Commissioner for Information in the State, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday in Umuahia, the state capital, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s state executive council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

He said the employment was the second batch of the teachers recruitment exercise, which officially commenced with the opening of the application portal on November 6, 2025 and which closed officially on Friday, November 29, 2025.

He added that following the closure of submissions, applicants were granted a review window to verify and correct their application details.

He said, “The window for verification of submissions closes this week. The applicants will be sent thereafter to sit for computer-based tests. Those who pass the tests will now go for the interview.

“It is worthy to recall that the state government plans to employ an additional 4,000 teachers from this exercise, to add to the 5,394 teachers earlier employed sometime in the last year.”

He also noted that, in line with the relentless effort of the state government to safeguard the lives and properties of Abia residents, steps have been taken to inaugurate the Abia State Safe Schools Steering Committee.

He pointed out that the committee’s response to the growing need to safeguard educational institutions in the state followed emerging security concerns around the country.

He said, “During the inauguration, it was highlighted that the committee will serve as a multi-sectoral strategic platform to coordinate state-level implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, to develop and monitor safeguard and protection protocols for schools across the state.

“Stakeholders from the education, security, humanitarian and civil sectors are encouraged to mobilise financial and technical resources for safer learning spaces across the state.

“In line with the state government’s efforts to have its operations digitalised, the Office of the Chief Information Officer has recorded some major digital milestones. First is the establishment of a Document Installation Bureau, which the Office of the CIO jointly established with the Ministry of Lands, and this is for land records and processing.

“This is one of the first around the state. The second milestone is the establishment of a centralised online recruitment platform. This will enable access and equity in government employment.

“The third digital milestone is the redesigned Area State Government website, which now serves as a primary source of all key government information about the state.

“The fourth and final milestone is the implementation of the e-Health Project with six pilot institutions automating their records and hospital management.”

Kanu also said that in line with the state government’s intention to digitalise its operations and services, the state government has procured and distributed laptops to all senior government officials.

“This is the first of its kind in the state, and the state government is one that encourages its workers to be the best they can be” the commissioner added.

The Commissioner equally said the monitoring of the schools’ resumption will be carried out by education officers on the basis of basic and secondary education to ensure compliance by all state schools.

He also disclosed that work is progressing across the state on the state’s mass school projects, adding that a very significant milestone has been recorded in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and training for the teachers who will run the smart schools in the state when fully operational.

“Two of the smart schools may be off for commissioning sometime in February,” he stated.

The Commissioner also said the State’s urban mass transit operation officially commenced operations on December 24, 2025. With this pilot phase, it is ongoing.

He explained that the scheme commenced with three inter- and intra-city bus rides.

According to him, “During the two-week pilot period, operations were conducted across key mobility corridors within the state. Currently on offer are three intra-city routes in Umuahia.

“Three intra-city routes in Aba. Other routes on offer are inter-city corridors from Aba to Umuahia and from Umuahia to Ohafia, respectively. Bus deployments during this period range from four buses on low-demand days to 17 buses on peak operational days.

“The pilot phase, of course, has recorded a very strong commuter response, indicating trust in government-led transport initiatives. Within this pilot phase, over 31,500 passengers have enjoyed these free bus rides and counted. In the days ahead, full commercial operations will commence.

The state of infrastructure that supports the mass transit bus service, which is nearing completion, includes the bus terminal here in Umuahia, the junction improvement works in Umuahia, and the installation of the charging stations. (The PUNCH)