Gov. Sule Inaugurates Committee to Probe Teachers’ Recruitment in Nasarawa

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has inaugurated a four-man committee to investigate irregularities in the recent recruitment of teachers by the State Teaching Service Commission (NSTSC). The committee, chaired by former Permanent Secretary Mr. Silas Dachor, also includes Belinda Oyegbenu, Permanent Secretary of the Establishment and Manpower Development in the Office of the Head of Civil Service, as the secretary. Other members are Hajiya Fatu Jimeta, a former Commissioner of Education, and Dr. Yusuf Alfa Danya, a former board chairman of the Federal Polytechnic Baale.

The committee, which has two weeks to submit its report, is tasked with investigating the recruitment process and the total number of recruits, ensuring it aligns with the approved number. Additionally, the committee will examine if there were extra recruits beyond the approved number, identify those responsible for the irregularities, and assess the posting and payment status of the recruited teachers. They will also evaluate the financial implications of both paid and unpaid teachers and make recommendations to guide the government in making appropriate decisions.

Governor Sule expressed concern over the situation, noting that it could tarnish the image of the government if not addressed with transparency and accountability. He highlighted the state’s efforts to address teaching shortages in the educational sector, mentioning the recruitment of over 8,000 teaching and non-teaching staff since 2019. Despite these efforts, there remains a significant gap in teaching personnel in both primary and secondary schools. This led to the approval for the recruitment of an additional 1,000 teachers. However, the Governor pointed out that while these 1,000 teachers were duly recruited and posted, concerns were raised about the non-payment of salaries to some teachers who had also received appointment letters.

Governor Sule emphasized the importance of ensuring fairness and due diligence in the recruitment process to avoid further complications and maintain public trust.