REPORTER: UGONNA AGU
The Imo State Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha, has urged Imo people, particularly the over 10,000 candidates shortlisted for employment in the state’s education sector, to remain patient as the government works to complete the recruitment process.
Professor Ikegwuoha gave the assurance while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the delay in concluding the exercise.
He explained that 6,021 teachers and 2,350 non-teaching staff were shortlisted and trained by the Imo State Basic Education Board.
The Commissioner identified the verification of First School Leaving Certificates as one of the factors responsible for the delay, noting that the certificates are also used to establish the ages of applicants.
He said the academic certificates of the shortlisted candidates had also been sent to their respective colleges and universities for verification, with about 70 percent already returned.
Many falsified their date of birth. We have to do these due diligence right now instead of employing somebody and giving a letter of employment and start again verifying all these certificates. We can’t give letters of appointment in batches”.
Professor Ikegwuoha said the recruitment was community-based to reduce logistics costs, tackle insecurity and ensure that every community has access to qualified teachers.
“For these new recruits, 60% will go to primary schools while 40% will go to secondary school. This recruitment was done local government by local government based on the need. It is community based. If you are from Umuowa for instance in Orlu, we will post you to Umuowa. You go and live amongst your people”.
He disclosed that the exercise was conducted using the STEMM system, with emphasis on qualified graduates in Science, Technology, English, Mathematics and Medical Sciences.
The Commissioner, however, said applicants with other degree qualifications were also selected to ensure that schools have qualified teachers to handle various subjects.
