Controversy Surrounds Teacher Recruitment in Osun State as Government and Opposition Disagree
A fresh dispute has emerged over the recruitment of teachers in Osun State, Nigeria, with the state government and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) presenting conflicting accounts of the exercise’s status and sincerity. The Osun State Government has announced that it is in the process of issuing letters of appointment to the first batch of newly recruited teachers, dismissing claims that senior officials are intentionally hindering the process.
According to Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to the Governor, the recruitment exercise is being implemented in line with established procedures, following a directive from Governor Ademola Adeleke. Rasheed attributed earlier delays to funding challenges and the implementation of the new minimum wage, stating that neither the Head of Service nor the Chief of Staff is obstructing the process. The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) are reportedly working together to coordinate the deployment of successful candidates under the supervision of the Ministry of Education.
However, the Osun State chapter of the APC has disputed the government’s position, questioning the genuineness of the Adeleke administration’s commitment to recruiting teachers over three years after assuming office. The opposition party accused the government of relying on rhetoric rather than concrete action, particularly regarding plans to replace teachers disengaged in 2022. The APC criticized the government’s lack of clarity on the actual number of teachers to be recruited and the cost implications, arguing that such gaps undermine public confidence.
The APC also rejected the government’s claim that limited access to local government funds was responsible for delays, citing constitutional provisions and court rulings that have clarified the autonomy of local councils. The party argued that the state government has received substantial allocations since coming into office and should not attribute recruitment challenges solely to financial constraints. The APC remains unconvinced, describing the exercise as a “kick-and-start approach” driven by political pressure.
The controversy surrounding the teacher recruitment exercise in Osun State highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the education sector in the region. With the government and opposition at odds over the exercise’s progress and sincerity, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. As the recruitment process continues, it is essential for the government to provide transparent and timely updates to address public concerns and ensure the successful deployment of new teachers to benefit the state’s education system.
