Abia To Train Newly Recruited Teachers In Digital Literacy
The Abia State Government is set to commence a mandatory five-day orientation programme for newly recruited teachers, with a focus on digital literacy, classroom technology, data-driven teaching tools and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) methodologies.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Kanu, the orientation programme will take place from September 7 to September 12, 2026, at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, and Federal Government Girls’ College, Umuahia.
The newly recruited teachers will be required to select their preferred training venue through the portal of the Ministry of Basic Education.
Focus On Modern Teaching Methods
Kanu said the programme is designed to familiarise the new teachers with the responsibilities and expectations associated with public and civil service.
Participants will also be introduced to the vision and strategic direction of education under the Otti administration, alongside modern, learner-centred approaches to teaching.
A key component of the orientation will be the use of technology in the classroom.
The training will expose teachers to digital literacy, classroom technology and data-driven teaching tools, while also strengthening their understanding of STEM-based teaching methodologies.
The government is expected to use the programme to help newly recruited teachers adapt to changing approaches to education and the growing role of technology in teaching and learning.
Strengthening Abia’s Education System
The orientation forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen the capacity of teachers and improve education delivery across Abia.
By equipping newly recruited teachers with modern teaching skills and digital competencies, the government aims to prepare educators to respond more effectively to the changing needs of learners.
The programme will also provide participants with an understanding of their responsibilities as public servants and the expectations associated with their roles within the state’s education system.
Government Reports Sexual And Gender-Based Violence Cases
Also speaking during the briefing, Kanu disclosed that the state’s Sexual Assault Referral Centres recorded eight cases of sexual and gender-based violence during the period under review.
According to the commissioner, the survivors were between four and 25 years old.
He said the reported cases involved alleged abuse by neighbours, landlords, family members and, in one instance, an employee.
Some of the younger victims were reportedly subjected to repeated assaults by the same perpetrator.
Kanu said the Sexual Assault Referral Centres provided affected survivors with medical, psychosocial and legal support.
He added that the centres were working with law enforcement agencies to support efforts to ensure that perpetrators were brought to justice.
The Abia Government’s planned teacher orientation and the ongoing support provided through the referral centres highlight two areas of its education and social protection agenda: strengthening the capacity of educators while responding to issues affecting the safety and wellbeing of young people across the state.