The ongoing delay in finalizing the recruitment of teachers in Osun State has been attributed to the non-release of local government allocations by the Federal Government, creating significant challenges for the state’s education sector. The Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, revealed this issue during a recent address at a digital literacy training program for teachers and heads of public schools in Ede, highlighting the financial constraints hampering the state’s ability to bolster its teaching workforce.
The recruitment process, initiated in February 2024 with Governor Ademola Adeleke’s approval to hire 5,000 teachers and 250 education officers for primary and secondary schools, has been stalled since candidates completed interviews between September 9 and 13, 2024. The delay stems from a financial bottleneck caused by a Court of Appeal ruling in February that halted monthly allocations to Osun’s 30 local governments due to a leadership crisis. These funds, typically used for various local government functions, are now being redirected to cover salaries for primary school teachers, local government workers, health workers, and a mandatory five percent allocation to traditional rulers. As a result, resources earmarked for expanding the teaching workforce have been depleted, leaving schools understaffed and candidates awaiting appointment letters in limbo.
Eluwole emphasized the broader implications of the funding shortfall, noting that the lack of resources is preventing the state from addressing the critical teacher shortage in public schools. This issue is particularly pressing as Osun’s student population continues to grow, placing additional strain on existing educators and infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the commissioner underscored the state’s progress in improving education, stating that Osun’s education sector has become a source of pride for Nigeria, a marked improvement from its state three years ago.
During the training program in Ede, Eluwole called on teachers to remain supportive of the state’s efforts and to pray for its leaders, including Governor Adeleke, who reportedly wept for 15 minutes before a recent meeting due to the ongoing local government crisis. The commissioner’s appeal highlighted the emotional toll of the situation on state leadership, as they grapple with balancing financial obligations and advancing educational goals.
The Osun State Government has not provided a definitive timeline for resolving the recruitment delay, as it remains contingent on the release of federal allocations.
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