The Committee overseeing the recruitment of teachers in Zamfara State has received over 8,000 applications for the first batch of 500 qualified teaching positions, as part of the planned recruitment of 2,000 teachers across the state.
This initiative was aligns with the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project’s mandate to improve girls’ education in Zamfara State.
The Chairman for the recruitment Committee and also the Chairman Zamfara State Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed Tukur, disclosed this during a live radio programme in Gusau, the state capital.
Alhaji Tukur was accompanied by the State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Malam Wadato Madawaki, who is serving as the deputy chairman of the committee.
He explained that, the recruitment will be conducted in four phases, with 500 teachers to be recruited in each phase, stressing that, the approach is to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Alhaji Aliyu Tukur emphasized that, only applicants with relevant qualifications are encouraged to apply, in order to maintain the integrity and quality of the exercise.
According to him, the first batch of the recruitment will focus on core science subjects, including English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and ICT.
He further noted that, an online portal was opened for qualified candidates to apply with specific qualification needed, with a two-week window provided for submissions which is almost completed.
“Each phase of the recruitment will follow a similar process, with the required subject areas clearly stated to guide applicants”
The Chairman reiterated the commitment of Governor Dauda Lawal to revamping the education sector in the state.
“As we all know somes years back, the state of education has been deteriorating, to the extent that students are struggling to perform in NECO and WAEC examinations. Despite numerous challenges, teachers have continued to give their best. Upon realizing this situation, His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, approved the recruitment of 2,000 new teachers,” he said.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Malam Wadato Madawaki, revealed that for the past 12 years, there had been no official recruitment of teachers across the state.
He explained that during that period, many teachers retired, some were resigned, while others passed away, among other reasons.
Malam Madawaki said that the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector came at the right time to rescue and improve education across the state.
The Commissioner alleged that, throughout those 12 years, no special training programs were organized for the existing teachers, which caused the sector to suffer significant setbacks.
Malam Wadato Madawaki expressed optimism that shortly after the state of emergency was declared, the state government received support from the World Bank through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, aimed at supporting girls’ education and women in Zamfara State.
*This AGILE project was specifically introduced to support the people of Zamfara State, especially girls education and women, although every sector will benefit in one way or another.
The goal of the AGILE project is to improve the lives of women, and in doing so, improve community wellbeing overall*
“The World Bank provided substantial financial support for this AGILE project, but it insisted that, it will not just release the funds without the state also contributing its own counterpart funding.
That’s why Zamfara State was asked to provide its share.”
“As part of this counterpart contribution, the World Bank requested that Zamfara State recruit 2,000 teachers, who would be directly employed under the project”
Malam Madawaki assured that priority would be given to candidates from local government areas and communities near schools, aimed at tackling the recurring issue of teacher absenteeism and ensuring teachers report to work on time.
He maintained that the steps would position Zamfara State to compete effectively in the education sector.
In their contribution, callers during the programme commended the State government for the steps taken to recruit the teachers as part it determination to overhaul the entire education system across the state.
AMINU DALHATU.
