The Oyo State Post Primary School Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has unveiled its plans for a computer-based test (CBT) to be held from Monday, July 29 to Friday, August 2, 2024,

As part of its massive recruitment drive for teaching and non-teaching staff. The announcement was made by Pastor Akinade Alamu, the Chairman of TESCOM, during a press conference at the TESCOM headquarters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

A staggering total of 62,000 applicants who passed the initial application process are set to participate in the CBT for available positions. Chairman Alamu disclosed that among the applicants, 12,000 applied for non-teaching positions, while an overwhelming 50,000 applied for teaching roles under TESCOM.

The need for this extensive recruitment drive was emphasized by Chairman Alamu, who pointed out the growing vacancies in Oyo State secondary schools due to various factors such as retirements, resignations, and unfortunately, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the loss of many teachers.

Pastor Alamu highlighted the commitment of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr ‘Seyi Makinde, to addressing the persistent vacancies in the state’s secondary schools.

He mentioned that despite a previous recruitment exercise that brought in 5,000 teachers, the ongoing vacancies necessitated another round of mass recruitment. Governor Makinde’s support for education was underscored as pivotal to this decision.

The recruitment process is a collaborative effort involving key agencies, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Establishment, the Office of the Head of Service, and the Ministry of Finance. Chairman Alamu assured that the process would be transparent and urged applicants to rely on official communications rather than hearsay.

The CBT examination is scheduled to take place at the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre, Computer Based Testing Centre, Ajibode, Ibadan. Applicants are encouraged to print copies of their CBT examination schedule and application printout from the job portal, as these will serve as entry permits to the examination hall. Furthermore, it was emphasized that the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre was chosen due to its expertise in conducting computer-based tests.

In his address, Chairman Alamu detailed the arrangements made for the comfort and well-being of the applicants during the CBT exam, including tents, chairs, ambulance services, security, and provisions for those with disabilities. He also underscored the importance of strict adherence to assigned times and dates, warning against loitering around the examination center.

It’s worth noting that successful candidates from the CBT will proceed to an oral interview as part of the rigorous selection process.

The initiative by TESCOM to address the shortage of educators in Oyo State’s secondary schools aligns with the broader efforts to bolster the education sector, ensuring that students have access to quality education and the necessary support staff.

With the upcoming CBT examination, applicants are gearing up for the next phase of this significant recruitment drive, with the potential to impact the educational landscape of Oyo State for years to come.