The Osun State Government has yet to fulfill its promise to complete recruitment of new teachers for public schools across the State, despite repeated assurances from Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dipo Eluwole.
Three weeks have gone from the first term of 2024/2025 academic session which started in September.
The State government had in February announced recruitment of 5,000 teachers to fill the vacancies existing in both primary and secondary schools across the 30 local government areas and the area office.
This announcement came more than a year after Governor Adeleke releived 1,500 teachers employed by his predecessor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola over alleged flawed process.
The Governor had during a meeting with his party stakeholders in August promised that “new teachers will resume soon.”
The statement made stakeholders believe that the recruitment exercise would be completed before the resumption of students for 2024/2025 academic session.
A tour by this reporter to some selected public schools revealed that several schools have no teachers in core subjects such as English language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Literature-in-English, among others. While some schools rely heavily on teachers recruited by Parents Teachers Association (PTA) and NYSC corps members.
A school principal, who doesn’t want his name in print because he’s not authorized to speak with the media, called on the government to conclude the exercise as soon as possible, stating that the current situation in schools is worrisome.
“We have been hopeful that the new teachers will resume with us for new season but it seems the process is not completed. We really need more hands. And not only us, but all schools across. The condition currently is worrisome as few available teachers are being overwhelmed. Some subjects are being taken by NYSC corps members and this is not sustainable as they have limited time with us. We need new staff.” He said.
Government speaks again
When contacted to speak on the delayed process, the Commissioner for Education, said recruitment process is nearing completion, with interviews concluded and results being compiled.
The commissioner explained that the delay is due to the need to ensure each subject has its own quota of teachers, rather than randomly recruiting without considering the specific needs of each school.
“We want to take them on need assessment, subject by subject,” the commissioner stated. “Before the next few weeks, we will come out with results.”
He assured the populace that due diligence is being done and the “results will soon be out in a matter of weeks.”
