Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has approved N50,000 wardrobe allowance for each of the 20,000 teachers hired by the state government.
Mr Eno announced this on Monday during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Uyo. He emphasized that teachers should always look neat and smart to inspire confidence in their students.
“I have approved another N50,000 per teacher as wardrobe allowance for all the 20,000 teachers employed by the Akwa Ibom Government.
“I have been informed that there are 1,776 registered private schools. Each of those schools will receive N500,000 so that they can also show appreciation to their teachers,” Mr Eno said.
The governor expressed his happiness over the important role of teachers in the state, saying their work fits well with his administration’s ARISE agenda. He called teachers agents of change, questioning what the world would be like without them.
“A governor who leads a state like my humble self is doing well because a teacher once taught me discipline and knowledge. We now use that knowledge to lead the people.
“The same goes for the brilliant scientists, doctors, and other professionals who help keep the chain of excellence moving smoothly. They were all taught by teachers,” he noted.
Mr Eno thanked the teachers for “endorsing” his candidacy and that of President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio for a second term in 2027.
“Together we will continue to strengthen the knowledge you give our children and the spirit of competition and excellence.
“The common saying has been that ‘teachers’ rewards are in heaven.’ No! Teachers’ rewards are here!
“Our belief is that your reward starts here on earth, and we have taken real steps to make that happen,” Mr Eno said.
He mentioned that his administration has built and furnished 38 model primary schools, with at least one in each local government area of the state.
He added that the state government has released N15 billion as a matching grant and that SUBEB has helped over 100 schools.
The governor also stated that his government has maintained free and compulsory education, including paying WAEC and NECO fees for 172,000 students from the state.
“We approved the recruitment of 1,000 teachers before, and I have also given approval for another 2,000,” he added.
The governor urged qualified teachers to apply for the jobs, take the Computer-Based Test, and follow the proper process for employment according to civil service rules.
Ubong Umoh, the commissioner for education, praised Governor Eno for improving the school system by building model primary schools.
“You are a leader who is moving forward to ensure that education transforms in Akwa Ibom.
“You have already made significant progress towards the freedom of teachers and the educational system. We are proud of you,” said Mr Umoh, who is a professor.
Edet Emenyi, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Akwa Ibom Wing, thanked the governor for caring about teachers’ welfare.
“Since I took office seven years ago, you are the first governor to personally come and honor the teachers in the state.
“Given your friendly attitude towards teachers, we are endorsing you for a second term in 2027,” Mr Emenyi said.
The NUT chairman asked the governor to do more for teachers in his next term and assured him of their continued support.
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