Abia State government is working hard to resolve the issues that led to the strike embarked upon by teachers in the state.
The efforts are to ensure that students return to school on time.
The Commissioner for Information in the state, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, made this known at the state secretariat in Umuahia, while speaking with journalists.
He praised the teachers for their contributions to the state.
His words: “Abia State School teachers are the best in Nigeria. We are proud of the work they are doing, as they remain key contributors to our great state delivering the best results in West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE), back to back, for 3 years under the watch of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.”
He gave assurance that the government would continue to prioritise the welfare of teachers while disclosing that relevant government officials were actively engaged with the representatives of the teachers body, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
According to him, the intention of the government was to resolve the issues that led to the industrial action embarked on by members of the NUT on Monday.
He further stated that the Ikpeazu administration would continue the retraining programme for teachers, anchored by Australian education providers, while rewarding the best teachers in the state from time to time.
On the development of educational infrastructure in the state, Chief Okiyi said: “Our four model schools will soon be commissioned and our students are also expected to commence using some of the 259 new classroom blocks already delivered by the government across the 17 local government areas of the state.
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“The superstructure for the new education hub in the state is also emerging around the Owerrinta area in Isiala Ngwa South local government area and when fully developed it is expected to further provide the needed skilled manpower to drive the Enyimba industrial city and energize our ‘make in Abia’ agenda.”
On the impact of the current strike on the high performing products of Abia school system, he said; “the back to back award winning products of Abia school system deserve to be back in school and we will ensure that happens as soon as possible by finding a mutually agreeable solution to the current impasse.”
He added: “For the sake of our award winning school children, teachers and parents, we will do our best and indeed we are determined to end the strike as quickly as possible.
“At the same time we remain irrevocably committed to delivering more dividends of democracy to the more than 4 million Abians who also expect their government to prioritise their welfare through the provision of necessary socio-economic infrastructure that will enable our naturally hardworking people excel.”
