Kwara to employ 1,800 new teachers, 300 others

The Kwara State Government has announced plans to recruit 1,800 teachers, 100 non-teaching staff and 200 security guards to strengthen the education system and ensure safer school environments across the state.

The state governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, approved the recruitment proposal by the Teaching Service Commission, with a special focus on addressing teacher shortages in rural areas.

The TESCOM Chairman, Bello Abubakar, said the recruitment process would prioritise applicants with specific qualifications and aim to fill gaps in critical subject areas.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Press Secretary, TESCOM Press Secretary, Sam Onile on Friday.

The statement reads in part, “All applicants will have to apply online. The minimum qualifications required are a university bachelor’s degree in education or a degree in relevant subjects with a teaching certificate such as B.Ed, BSc. Ed, B.A. Ed, or BSc plus PGDE or NCE. Applicants without these qualifications will not be invited for the test.”

The chairman emphasised the need to bridge human resource gaps in schools located in the hinterlands.

“The recruitment exercise is essentially to address staffing shortages in rural schools. Teachers specialising in STEM subjects will be prioritized, alongside specific subject areas in Arts and Commerce. Applicants are advised to apply only for subjects listed on the application portal,” he added.

He added that the recruitment process will involve several stages, including online application, a computer-based test, interviews, and peer teaching practicums.

“Only applicants who meet the requirements will proceed to the CBT. Shortlisted candidates will also undergo drug tests, aligning with the government’s commitment to fighting drug abuse and protecting students from its menace,” Abubakar stated.

He further clarified that applicants must upload a certificate of local government origin and indicate their local government of residence at different stages.

“Applicants should not be above 35 years of age as of January 31, 2025. Any individual who exhibits behaviour unbefitting of a teacher and role model will be disqualified at any stage of the process,” he warned.

Abubakar praised Abdulrazaq’s commitment to transforming public education in the state.

“TESCOM sincerely commends the governor for his unmatched dedication to improving public sector education, as evident in the administration’s clear policies and significant investments since 2019,” he stated.

He added that the application portal and further details about the recruitment process would be released soon.