Over 6,700 candidates are vying for 380 teaching jobs in a highly competitive recruitment process. Find out more about the selection process and the opportunities available in the education sector.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), multiple designated centers were monitored during Saturday’s examination proceedings and this was later reported.
The Enugu State Post Primary School Management Board (PPSMB) received more than 12,000 applications initially, according to Fr. Hilary Mgbodile who is the chairman of PPSMB. Out of these applicants, around 6,700 were selected by the board to fill up vacancies that had arisen due to retiring teachers.
English, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry were the subjects tested during the examinations which took place at five chosen centers: Union Boys Secondary School, Queen School Enugu, Holy Rosary College (HRC), College of Immaculate Conception (CIC) and Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School in Enugu.
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Mgbodile brought attention to the competition for teaching positions by revealing that 1,700 candidates applied for only 80 ICT teacher roles while over 2,000 people vied for English teaching jobs. He stressed that merit and competence were crucial factors in selecting candidates who would stand out as “the best of the best.”
In addition to his statement, Mgbodile revealed that in the event of inadequate qualified teachers being found by the board, a fresh call for applications shall be announced. To promote objectivity and impartiality during staff recruitment, PPSMB has engaged an external recruiting agency.
Mgbodile clarified that the significant number of declined applications was due to various factors. Non-indigenes and applicants over 45 years old were among those rejected. Additionally, some candidates did not meet the necessary qualifications for their preferred teaching subjects, while others attempted to apply for roles outside their field of expertise.
Additionally, examinees who were awaiting their statements of results or unable to present certificates were disqualified from taking the test.
In 2023, upon assuming office, the board identified a shortage of secondary school teachers in rural areas. As per Governor Peter Mbah’s directive to transfer urban teachers to rural schools, it was evident that key subjects such as sciences required more teaching staff. Consequently, a recruitment drive was initiated.
The aim of this recruitment drive, according to Mgbodile’s explanation, is to tackle the deficiencies present in science subjects and revive the high standard of education that was once associated with public schools. “Our end goal is to offer parents a practical alternative by enhancing the quality of teaching and learning within our public institutions,” he emphasized while also highlighting Governor Mbah’s endorsement for this venture.
