The Abia State Government has approved a one-time N25,000 transport and logistics allowance for each newly recruited teacher who participated in the recent orientation programme organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
The initiative, endorsed by the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, is part of a broader education sector reform aimed at improving teacher welfare, boosting morale, and raising standards across schools in the state. According to the government, the stipend is a token of appreciation and support to ease the financial strain that often accompanies the early days of employment, especially for public school teachers.
Announcing the development through an official press release in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, noted that the allowance is a practical step to help new teachers settle into their duties and deliver on the goals of qualitative education. He added that eligible teachers must upload their bank details through the official recruitment portal, accessible via the Ministry’s website, [www.mobse-abiastategov.ng]to facilitate prompt disbursement.
The recently concluded orientation programme covered a range of professional development topics, including ethical teaching practices, modern classroom management, curriculum planning, and the integration of new teaching techniques aimed at improving student performance. It was organised as part of the onboarding process to equip new teachers with the necessary tools and mindset to succeed in their roles.
Education experts across the state have welcomed the gesture. A former Commissioner for Education, Chief Richard Harrison, described the allowance as a “timely and thoughtful move” that demonstrates the government’s commitment to treating teachers as essential stakeholders in the state’s development agenda. He urged the government to sustain such initiatives and build a culture of consistent support and professional growth for teachers at all levels.
Other stakeholders have also echoed similar sentiments, stressing that motivation and welfare support are critical to improving retention rates and performance among teachers. They believe that addressing the basic needs of teachers, including transportation and logistics, will lead to better classroom outcomes, reduce absenteeism, and improve students’ academic achievement.
In recent months, the Otti-led administration has introduced several education-friendly policies, including school infrastructure upgrades, curriculum updates, and a renewed focus on quality assurance. The approval of the allowance further reflects the administration’s effort to prioritize the welfare of those at the frontline of education delivery.
Stakeholders are now calling for the initiative to be institutionalized, ensuring that future recruits also benefit from such support measures as part of a long-term strategy to attract and retain qualified educators in the public school system.
As the new teachers resume at their various schools across the state, the Ministry has urged them to remain committed, diligent, and passionate about their work, assuring them that their contributions are recognized and valued by the government.
