News Update
Former Governor of Osun State Adegboyega Oyetola recruited 1,500 teachers to complement few teachers in the Osun State public schools. That was after many months of slow process of the recruitment exercise ranging from shortlisting of candidates to CBT tests, the interview and the final successful 1,500 candidates who were given Letters of Appointment.
Osun State started its recruitment process of teachers ahead of Oyo State yet Osun State was far behind Oyo State for the approval of successful candidates.
While Oyo State under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde recruited 5,000 teachers, Its Osun State counterpart, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola recruited only 1,500 teachers.
Upon assumption of office on November 27, 2022, the new Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke who took over from Oyetola, for the best reasons known to him sacked the new teachers who were newly recruited.
He accused Oyetola of not doing due diligence in the recruitment exercise with a promise to conduct another recruitment exercise despite pleas by the new teachers who went through the normal recruitment exercise process before they were handed their Letters of Appointment.
Adeleke embarked on another endless exercise till date, after over 30 months no teachers have been given any Letters of Appointment. This was an exercise that is not supposed to last more than four months, at most.
Although announcements for recruitments were made, candidates were shortlisted, CBT exams and interviews were conducted for successful candidates over a year now, teachers are yet to resume.
It has been promised galore from the State Government officials shifting resumption dates for the day that never came.
Building flyovers is good but it is immaterial if we did not build the future of our children.
After Osun State started its recruitment exercise just like the previous administration, Oyo State has recruited 14,500 teachers during the second term of Makinde.
The question on any discerning minds is,
“why did Adeleke sack 1,500 teachers Oyetola recruited when he knew he was not going to recruit new ones immediately?”
A visionary leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo declared Free Education in 1955 knowing fully well what the future holds for the generations of the Yorubas yet unborn.
Yorubas are at the forefront of academics today just because Awolowo could see beyond his nose.
For how long should our politicians continue to play politics with the future of our children? Many questions begging for answers.
The statement of commendation of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde was unparalleled. They claimed that Makinde has redeemed the position of honour to Oyo State.
“Your Excellency Sir, your achievements in the education sector since assumption of office particularly, on the successful recruitment of over 14,000 qualified teaching professionals and about 3,500 non-teaching personnel, aside from an appreciative number of caregivers is a clear cut and a perfect reflection of your results-oriented style of leadership aimed at providing free, qualitative and quantitative education to the amiable citizens of Oyo State.
This gesture shall, without doubt, have a significant touch in our classroom and as well enhance educational service delivery to our school children.”
“Indeed, you have successfully redeemed our position of honour in the commity of states, most especially on matters of education as envisioned by our beloved forebears. Hence, NUT appreciation of many folds.”
What can we say about the State of the Living Spring?
Excuses by cabinet members of Adeleke’s administration that Local Government Allocation withheld by the Federal Government was responsible for the delay of recruitment of teachers, is not acceptable.
The Local Government seizure of allocation started only in February 2025, what has the State been doing before this time after they have concluded the recruitment exercise?
Mr. ” talk and do Governor”, when will the teachers recruited go to the classes?
© Adesoji Omosebi is the Publisher of SOJ WORLDWIDE ONLINE NEWS.