Kwara govt to recruit 1,800 teachers

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The Kwara State Government has announced plans to hire 1,800 senior secondary school teachers, with a focus on addressing staffing shortages in rural areas and prioritising Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq approved the recruitment following a request by the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).

In addition to teachers, the state will employ 100 non-teaching staff and 200 security guards to enhance school safety.

TESCOM Chairman Mallam Bello Tauheed Abubakar, in a statement issued on Friday, disclosed that application links will soon be made available.

He outlined the requirements and process for the exercise, emphasizing that all applications must be submitted online.

“Applicants must hold a university degree in education or a relevant field with a teaching certificate, such as B.Ed, BSc. Ed, B.A. Ed, BSc plus PGDE, or NCE,” Abubakar said. “Candidates without these qualifications will not be considered.”

The recruitment is part of efforts to fill critical gaps in the education sector, especially in underserved areas.

“The exercise is designed to bridge the human resource gap in schools in the hinterlands,” Abubakar added. “Teachers of STEM subjects will be prioritised, while necessary Art and Commercial subject areas will also be specified on the application portal.”

Applicants will be required to upload their local government of origin certificates, indicate their current local government of residence, and provide supporting evidence at different stages of the process.

Key stages of the recruitment process include an online application, a computer-based test (CBT), interviews, and practical peer teaching sessions. Only candidates who meet the requirements will advance beyond each stage.

“Drug tests will be conducted on all shortlisted candidates as part of the government’s effort to combat drug abuse and protect students from its negative impact,” Abubakar noted.

He also stated that applicants must not be older than 35 years as of January 31, 2025, and any candidate who exhibits unprofessional behaviour at any stage will be disqualified.

TESCOM applauded Governor Abdulrazaq for his unwavering commitment to improving public education. “Since 2019, his administration has demonstrated clear policy direction and investment in the education sector,” the statement added.

The recruitment drive underscores the state’s commitment to improving education quality and ensuring that schools, particularly in rural areas, have access to qualified educators.

Applications are expected to commence soon, with further details to be announced by TESCOM.