In Enugu State, a staggering 6,700 candidates are competing for just 380 teaching positions in various secondary schools. This was observed during the examination process on Saturday at several designated centers by the News Agency of Nigeria.
Fr. Hilary Mgbodile, Chairman of the Enugu State Post Primary School Management Board, revealed that the board received over 12,000 applications initially. From this pool, 6,700 applicants were shortlisted to fill the 380 vacancies left by retired teachers.
Mgbodile specified that the exams were held at five centers: Union Boys Secondary School, Queen School, Holy Rosary College, College of Immaculate Conception, and Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School, all located in Enugu. The candidates were tested in subjects including English, Information Communication Technology, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Highlighting the competitive nature of the recruitment, Mgbodile noted, “Over 2,000 applied to teach English, while in ICT, the board needs only 80 teachers, yet 1,700 applied for the subject. We are picking the best of the best, which is the only consideration and parameter for the selection of the teachers.”
He added that if the board fails to find the required competent teachers from the current pool, they would call for additional applications. However, he expressed optimism that the board would identify the qualified candidates needed.
Mgbodile emphasized, “We cannot lower the standard because we cannot get what we want.” To ensure meritocracy and objectivity, an independent recruiting company was involved in the recruitment process.
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Addressing the reasons for dropping a large number of applicants, he explained that many were non-indigenes, over-aged (with an age limit of 45 years), or lacked the requisite qualifications for their intended subjects.
For instance, individuals with degrees in Social Studies applying to teach English were deemed incompatible. Additionally, those awaiting their statements of results or unable to provide their certificates were excluded from the examination.
Explaining the rationale behind the recruitment, Mgbodile said the board noticed a significant shortage of teachers, especially in rural areas, upon assuming office in 2023. Acting on Governor Peter Mbah’s directive,
Teachers were initially redistributed from urban to rural areas. However, it soon became evident that there was a critical shortage of teachers in key subjects like sciences. Consequently, the board recommended and received approval from Governor Mbah to recruit new teachers to address these gaps.
Mgbodile concluded, “We aim to restore the legacy of teaching and learning, making it easier for parents to avoid borrowing money to send their children to private and mission schools. We want to rebuild confidence in public schools, and Governor Mbah is a pathfinder in this regard, leading us with his vision.”
