Over 6,700 candidates are competing for 380 teaching positions at various secondary schools in Enugu State.
A correspondent from the News Agency of Nigeria who observed the examination at several designated centers on Saturday reported a large turnout of applicants.
Fr. Hilary Mgbodile, Chairman of the Enugu State Post Primary School Management Board, informed NAN that the board received over 12,000 applications.
He mentioned that from this pool, 6,700 individuals were shortlisted for the 380 vacancies needed to replace retired staff.
Mgbodile revealed that five locations have been chosen for the exams: Union Boys Secondary School, Queen School Enugu, Holy Rosary College, College of Immaculate Conception, and Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School, Enugu.
He mentioned that the selected candidates are being evaluated in English, Information Communication Technology, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
He noted that more than 2,000 candidates applied to teach English, while only 80 positions are available in ICT, yet 1,700 people applied for the ICT subject.
“So we are picking the best of the best which is the only consideration and parameter for the selection of the teachers,” he said.
He added that after the test and the needed competent teachers were not found, the board would call for another application, stressing that he was optimistic that with the number of applicants, the board would get the qualified ones.
“We cannot lower the standard because we cannot get what we want.
“The recruitment is being done by PPSMB but in order to reduce pressure and to ensure meritocracy and absolute objectivity, we decided to seek the assistance of an independent recruiting company,” Mgbodile said.
Regarding why they rejected a significant number of applicants, he mentioned that after reviewing the applications, it was found that some were non-residents and some exceeded the age limit of 45 years.
“While some did not have the requisite qualifications for the subject they intend to teach, those that studied Social Studies may apply to teach English which is not compatible,” he said.
The chairman also mentioned that individuals waiting for their result statements and those unable to present their certificates were barred from taking the examination.
Explaining the rationale for the recruitment, the chairman mentioned that the board noticed a shortage of teachers in Secondary Schools across Enugu, particularly in rural areas, when they assumed office in 2023.
He stated that following Governor Peter Mbah’s instructions, the board relocated some teachers from urban to rural regions.
“As we were doing that, we discovered that we lacked teachers in some key subjects like sciences and other core subjects.
“We made a recommendation to Gov Mbah on the need to recruit teachers to fill the shortfalls of science teachers which he approved.
“That is why we want to recruit competent professionals who studied Engineering, to teach Chemistry.
“I want to restore the legacy of teaching and learning and make it easier for parents to stop borrowing while taking their children to private and mission schools.
“I want to restore confidence in the public schools and Mbah is a pathfinder in this regard and we want to follow his mantra,” he said.
