The Enugu State government has initiated a screening process for over 26,000 candidates who applied for 6,000 teaching positions in its new smart schools. The assessments began four days ago and are being conducted at two locations: the Enugu State College of Education Technical and the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT).
During this screening process, many candidates faced challenges with basic computer skills. Observers noted that while each applicant was given 45 minutes to complete their test, some struggled to finish due to difficulties in operating the computer system.
Professor Ndubueze Mbah, the Commissioner for Education, spoke to reporters at the IMT venue, explaining that the assessments are part of Governor Peter Mbah’s plan to improve education in the state. He stated, “We received applications from 26,330 candidates, and we needed a fair way to evaluate their teaching skills and digital literacy.”
The screening includes a computer-based test that assesses at least 6,000 candidates daily. The examination evaluates applicants in four key areas: the subject they plan to teach, English language proficiency, general mathematics, and basic digital literacy.
Mbah highlighted a concerning finding from previous assessments, revealing that two out of every four students in Enugu State lack basic skills in reading and math. “We need teachers who can help improve these skills, so we are testing them in English and mathematics,” he said.
The smart schools are designed to create a high-tech learning environment equipped with computers, smart boards, and digital libraries. Therefore, it is crucial that teachers have at least basic computer knowledge.
All teachers in Enugu State were encouraged to apply, and the process is open to anyone who meets the qualifications. “We received applicants from every local government area. This assessment is designed to be fair and standardized to ensure we recruit qualified teachers,” Mbah added.
From the pool of 26,330 applicants, the state plans to hire 6,000 teachers who will undergo six months of intensive training. After completing their training, these teachers will be assigned to smart schools under the supervision of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB).
Successful candidates will be registered in a teachers’ registry, and only those certified as “smart teachers” will be placed in smart schools. This is just the first phase of the recruitment process, with a second phase anticipated to start in January, aiming to recruit a total of 12,000 teachers. Mbah expressed optimism, saying they expect at least 10,000 applicants to succeed.
The Commissioner stressed that the state is committed to providing quality education comparable to that in developed countries. “We cannot spend N1 billion building and equipping smart schools only to hire unqualified teachers. It would not serve our children or the people of Enugu well,” he said.
Mbah assured the public that the recruitment process would be transparent and free from political influence. He emphasized the importance of competency-based testing and noted that teachers will be assigned to their local government areas to help address issues of absenteeism in schools.
As Enugu State moves forward with this ambitious project, the focus remains on enhancing educational standards and ensuring that qualified teachers are in place to support student learning.
