NEWS
Gov. Alex Otti’s Administration Advances Second Phase of Massive Teacher Recruitment as 36,415 Apply, 24,023 Shortlisted for CBT in Abia
By @TheKELVINATOR, The Eyes Opener News | February 16, 2026
The Abia State Government has recorded a significant milestone in its ongoing education sector reforms, as the second batch of the State’s Teacher Recruitment Exercise gathers momentum with overwhelming interest from qualified applicants across the state and beyond.
The Commissioner revealed that the second batch of the State’s Teacher Recruitment Exercise is progressing with a total of 36,415 applications received, out of which 24,023 candidates have been shortlisted for the Computer-Based Test (CBT).
The Honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Alex Otti.
The development underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the quality of teaching and learning in public schools through merit-driven recruitment and transparent processes. The large number of applications received reflects both the high level of interest in the teaching profession and growing public confidence in the integrity of the state’s recruitment system.
Providing further clarity on the next phase of the exercise, the Commissioner stated that the date for the CBT would be announced in due course, assuring shortlisted candidates and the general public that the process would be conducted in line with established standards.
He said the State Government employed 5,394 teachers, while the target for the second batch is 4,000 teachers.
The ongoing recruitment exercise is part of the broader education revitalisation agenda of the Otti-led administration, aimed at addressing teacher shortages, improving pupil-to-teacher ratios, and enhancing overall academic performance in public schools across Abia State.
Education stakeholders have described the scale and structure of the recruitment as a bold intervention that signals a new era of accountability and performance in the state’s basic and secondary education system. With thousands of candidates set to undergo the Computer-Based Test, expectations remain high that only the most qualified and competent teachers will emerge from the process.
As Abia continues to reposition its education sector, the successful execution of this second batch of recruitment is expected to further consolidate gains already recorded and reinforce the administration’s resolve to build a strong foundation for future generations.