UYO — Classroom activities will be suspended across public and private primary, secondary and technical schools in Akwa Ibom on Monday as the state government declares October 5 a Teaching-Free Day to enable teachers participate in the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration.
The declaration was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, who said the measure was approved by Governor Umo Eno to enable teachers across the state attend the annual celebration.
According to the commissioner, all teachers are expected to converge on the Uyo Township Stadium by 10:00 a.m. on Monday for the state’s celebration of the international event.
The ministry said the break from teaching was intended to provide teachers with an opportunity to join their colleagues from across the state in reflecting on and celebrating their contributions to the development of education and the future of Akwa Ibom children.
The declaration covers teachers in both public and private primary and secondary schools, as well as technical schools across the state.
Umoh urged teachers to take advantage of the occasion to participate fully in the celebration, stressing the importance of recognising their role in shaping the state’s education system and preparing children for the future.
The commissioner said the state government’s decision was part of the activities marking the 2026 World Teachers’ Day, which provides an avenue to recognise the contribution of teachers to society.
The ministry also appealed to parents and guardians to take note of the temporary suspension of classroom activities and make appropriate arrangements for their children and wards.
It directed teachers across the state to attend the celebration at the Uyo Township Stadium, where activities marking the day are expected to take place.
The Teaching-Free Day means that schools covered by the directive will not conduct normal teaching activities on Monday, with academic activities expected to resume thereafter.
World Teachers’ Day is observed annually to highlight the contribution of teachers to education and society while drawing attention to issues affecting the teaching profession.
The Akwa Ibom celebration is expected to bring together teachers from different levels of the state’s education system for the 2026 observance.
