By KHADIJAH ALIYU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Kano State House of Assembly has called for a comprehensive review of the recent teachers’ recruitment exercise conducted by the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), citing widespread irregularities.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Dambatta Constituency, Murtala Musa, during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Jibril Falgore.
Presenting the motion, Musa alleged that the recruitment process was fraught with inconsistencies, particularly in the posting of applicants to interview locations far from their areas of residence.
He revealed that, as Vice Chairman of the relevant committee, members had earlier engaged with the SUBEB Chairman to provide guidance on the recruitment process, but their recommendations were not implemented.
Musa further disclosed that the House had received numerous complaints from across the state, prompting lawmakers to summon the SUBEB Chairman to explain the circumstances surrounding the exercise.
According to him, stakeholders within the local education sector were sidelined, despite their critical role in the recruitment process.
He stressed that the prevailing economic challenges make it more practical to recruit and post teachers within their local government areas, noting that assigning teachers to distant locations could lead to absenteeism due to high transportation costs.
“For instance, if a teacher is recruited from Doguwa and posted to Warawa, there is a high likelihood of absenteeism because of the financial burden of commuting,” he said.
Seconding the motion, the Deputy Speaker, Muhammad Bello, clarified that the Assembly is not opposed to the screening exercise but emphasized the need for transparency and merit.
He called on SUBEB to establish a clear cut-off mark for applicants to ensure quality recruitment, free from political interference, and in line with established rules and regulations.
Bello also advocated for the posting of teachers to their respective local government areas to improve efficiency and accountability.
Consequently, the House constituted an ad hoc committee to invite the SUBEB Chairman to appear and defend the process.
