Only 600 of the 8,000 candidates who sat for the Nasarawa State rural teachers screening passed the examination, the state government has revealed. The figure falls well below the government’s target of recruiting 1,000 teachers for public primary schools in rural communities.
The government said it would continue the recruitment process to fill the remaining vacancies with qualified candidates. The exercise aims to improve the quality of teaching in underserved communities across the state.
Government explains screening outcome
Speaking at his bi-monthly press briefing in Lafia, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Hon. Peter Ahemba, said the recruitment exercise attracted thousands of applicants from across the state.
He explained that the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB) received about 10,000 applications. Out of that number, 8,000 candidates took part in the screening examination.
He said, “So out of these 8,000 that participated, only 600 passed the examination. Only 600 out of 8,000 that participated passed the examination, and that is actually below the number the government is looking for.”
Recruitment process enters next stage
Ahemba said the consulting firm that handled the screening had completed its assignment. It has now handed the process back to NSUBEB for the next stage.
According to him, the board is reviewing the results before selecting successful candidates. He said the government remains determined to recruit only qualified teachers into the state’s public primary schools.
He added, “As we speak, the board is looking into it with a view to seeing that only those qualified are engaged.”
Government warns against sharp practices
The governor’s aide warned job seekers against dealing with individuals who claim they can influence the recruitment process. He stressed that the state government would not accept any form of malpractice.
He said, “So I want to warn sincerely that there will be no room whatsoever for any sharp practices as far as this recruitment exercise is concerned.”
Ahemba also praised the Chairman of NSUBEB, Dr. Kassim Muhammad Kassim, for overseeing what he described as a transparent recruitment exercise. He said the board acted in line with Governor Abdullahi Sule’s directive to ensure fairness throughout the process.
Successful teachers to serve in rural schools
The government said it would deploy all successful applicants to rural communities where many public primary schools still face teacher shortages.
Ahemba said Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration continues to prioritise basic education. According to him, the government is recruiting competent teachers while investing in better learning facilities across the state.
He also disclosed that the state had approved the construction of three-storey classroom blocks in each of the three senatorial districts. In addition, he said the Federal Government had approved the construction of model schools in the districts to support ongoing efforts to improve access to quality education.
The recruitment exercise will continue until the government fills all available positions with qualified teachers.
