Abia State Governor Alex Otti has revealed that 27,980 individuals have applied for the state’s ongoing second phase of teachers’ recruitment. Only 4,000 vacancies are available in this round of employment.

The governor made the disclosure on Friday during his November media briefing at the Government House in Umuahia.

Otti emphasized that the recruitment process would remain transparent and free from any form of interference, stressing that only qualified candidates would be selected. “What I can assure you is that the recruitment exercise cannot be manipulated under my watch. If you are qualified, you will be employed. We are recruiting 4,000 teachers, yet we have received almost 28,000 applications,” he said.

He urged applicants to rely on their credentials and performance in the selection process rather than any form of influence or political connection.

The governor also noted that payment issues experienced by some members of the first batch of newly recruited teachers were being addressed, adding that efforts were underway to ensure they receive their salaries before the end of the weekend.

Otti further disclosed that his administration is working on gradually clearing outstanding gratuity arrears owed for nearly two decades. He confirmed that the committee set up to review the matter has submitted its report.