By Kayode, Emmanuel Abuja
The Benue State House of Assembly’s decision to suspend the ongoing recruitment of primary school teachers and summon on the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Grace Adagba, to appear before them has sparked public outrage and raised questions about the true motives behind the action.
Emerging facts reveal that the Assembly’s move may not be unconnected to a prior demand by the lawmakers for 1000 employment slots that was not honoured by SUBEB.
Checks by our correspondent revealed that a letter dated September 9, 2024, addressed to the SUBEB Chairman and signed by Igyundu Fidelis Denen on behalf of the Chairman, Benue State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Hon. Cyphas Tervershima Dyako (representing Konshisha State Constituency) and addressed to the house requested for employment slots for the house.
The letter, obtained by our correspondent, explicitly requested 1,000 employment slots for members of the Assembly.
The letter reads,” In view of the ongoing recruitment of 9,700 teachers at SUBEB, the Committee kindly requests your office to provide one thousand (1,000) slots to Honorable members of the House for their constituents.
“You are reminded to provide six (6) bound copies of information requested by the House with correspondences BN/HOA/OFF/326/2/188 dated 23rd July 2024 and BN/HOA/OFF/324/2/190 dated 26th July 2024 respectively, to reach the Committee Clerk on or before Friday, 13th September 2024.
“Your kind consideration is highly appreciated, and we look forward to your favorable response, please.”
Failure to honour request triggers action
Sources close to SUBEB revealed that the board declined to allocate the requested slots, citing its commitment to a merit-based recruitment process. This refusal is believed to have provoked the lawmakers, leading to their decision to suspend the recruitment exercise and summon Dr Adagba.
During the plenary session presided over by Speaker Chief Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, the Assembly justified the suspension by raising concerns about the inclusion of unqualified candidates with non-professional education degrees and low aptitude test scores.
However, critics argue that the suspension is a punitive measure for SUBEB’s failure to fulfill the Assembly’s demands.
“The truth is that Pure Science graduates who participated in the test are expected to handle Basic Science subjects in primary schools, addressing the foundational needs for Science education.
“Applicants with other qualifications were screened out to ensure the recruitment process aligns with the state’s critical need for foundational subject teachers,” a source in SUBEB told our correspondent.
Civil society groups knock lawmakers
The motion to suspend the recruitment, introduced by Mr Douglas Akya (Makurdi South Constituency), cited alleged irregularities in the exercise. Other lawmakers, including Hon. Alfred Emberga (Deputy Whip) and Hon. Simon Gabo (Mata Constituency), echoed these concerns and supported the suspension.
However, Civil society groups and stakeholders have condemned the Assembly’s actions, describing the request for employment slots as an attempt to undermine the integrity of the recruitment process.
A local activist, who spoke on condition of anonymity, criticised the lawmakers for prioritising personal interests over transparency and meritocracy.
“This is an abuse of power. Lawmakers should be advocating for fairness, not demanding slots for their constituents,” the activist said.
While Adagba has yet to officially respond to the summons, insiders at SUBEB maintain that the board remains committed to a fair and transparent recruitment process.
Adagba is scheduled to appear before the Assembly next week to address the allegations and provide documents, including a needs assessment of teachers’ requirements, recruitment results, and the legal framework governing SUBEB’s operations.
As the controversy unfolds, the public is watching closely, calling for accountability and transparency in handling the recruitment exercise.
“So, what the lawmakers are doing is a clear indication that if you don’t know anyone in government, you will not get employment.
“This is sad. They should be accountable to their constituents through their constituency projects and allow competent people who merit the employment to get the jobs. We don’t want people who don’t merit the employment to teach our children and relations in public schools, after all, their children are in private schools,” Dr Adejoh said in a text message to our correspondent.
