Aniefiok Christopher
As a major boost to the teachers’ welfare, Akwa Ibom Government has approved about N1 billion wardrobe allowance for estimated 20,000 teachers in both public primary and secondary schools in the state.
Governor Umo Eno announced this on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Uyo Township Stadium during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Akwa Ibom State Wing.
The Abia State Governor, Mr. Alex Otti announced a similar gesture of N1 billion Teachers’ Appreciation Fund to be shared among serving teachers across the state.
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This gesture may not be unconnected with the conduct of the forthcoming 2027 general elections as teachers form the bulk of electoral officers.
He approved a series of measures aimed at strengthening teaching and learning, improving teachers’ welfare and raising academic standards.
As part of the emergency intervention, Governor Eno directed a team led by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, herself a teacher, and the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien, to undertake a holistic assessment of the challenges confronting the State’s education system and recommend practical measures for addressing them.
“I want our teachers to continue to do training and retraining,” the Governor said, expressing optimism that the intervention would produce measurable improvements in students’ academic performance.
Eno also approved ₦500,000 for each registered private school in the State to support teachers serving in the schools.
To strengthen manpower in public schools across the State, the Governor further approved the recruitment of 2,000 additional teachers into the State public school system, a move expected.
He directed the Inter-ministerial Direct Labour Committee to take over the Secretariat project of the NUT, popularly known as the Teachers’ House, and ensure its completion within six months.
The Governor said his administration would continue to prioritise education and teachers’ welfare, stressing that the government would not politicise the development of the sector.
“We do not intend to play politics with education. Our teachers must be properly armed with all the tools that are necessary. I want to say that I am very proud of all our teachers, and so we will continue to support you,” he said.
Commenting on some of his administration’s interventions, Governor Eno said 38 model primary schools had been built and furnished with solar power across the State, with at least one located in each of the 31 local government areas.
“Today, we have built and furnished 38 Model Primary Schools with solar power, at least one in each of the 31 local government areas. We have been very purposeful in working with our teachers to ensure our students get the best,” he said.
On teachers’ pension obligations, the Governor said his administration inherited outstanding contributory pension liabilities running into billions of naira and had taken steps towards settling them.
He also noted that the State had consistently paid the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees for Akwa Ibom students, with about 172,000 students registered for the examination under his administration.
Governor Eno further stated that he had signed into law legislation converting the former College of Education, Afaha Nsit, into the Akwa Ibom State University of Education, and announced the appointment of Prof. Philip Afaha as the pioneer Vice Chancellor.
The Governor described teachers as agents of change, noting that the discipline, knowledge and values they impart continue to shape lives and contribute significantly to societal development.
He said his administration remained committed to instilling in Akwa Ibom children a competitive spirit and culture of excellence, stressing that education would remain a major pillar of the ARISE Agenda.
Teachers, under the umbrella of the NUT, Akwa Ibom State Wing, unanimously endorsed the Governor during the World Teachers’ Day celebration, citing his interventions in the education sector and policies aimed at improving teachers’ welfare and professional development.
They also endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the National and State Assemblies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was conveyed by the NUT Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Wing, Comrade Edet Emenyi, who said the teachers’ support for Governor Eno was informed by his disposition towards teachers, his commitment to their welfare and his interventions in the education sector.
A motion adopting Governor Eno as the sole candidate of the teachers for the 2027 governorship election was moved by the Deputy Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Michael Udofia, representing public school teachers, and seconded by Comrade Raymond Uko, representing private school teachers.
Moving the motion, Udofia described Governor Eno as an education- and teacher-friendly Governor, saying the achievements recorded in his first term had given teachers confidence in the prospect of further interventions in the sector.
Seconding the motion, Uko said private school teachers had earlier endorsed the Governor in recognition of his performance across sectors, particularly in education.
The endorsement was also supported by the Association of Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, Heads of Primary Schools Teachers, newly recruited teachers and retired teachers.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien, had commended Governor Eno for what he described as transformative interventions in the sector, noting that the achievements underscored the administration’s commitment to the ARISE Agenda.
The event featured solidarity messages from the NUT National President, represented by the 4th National Vice President of the Union, Comrade Ofonime Ekanem, and the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Sunny James.
A Professor of Educational Technology at the University of Uyo, Prof. Aniedi Usoro, delivered the keynote address.
