Governor Sule: Why We Won’t Retain Illegally Hired TSC Workers

Governor Abdullahi Sule has outlined reasons for his administration’s decision not to employ teachers who were illegally hired by the suspended chairman of the Nasarawa State Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Speaking during a visit by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the Government House, the Governor cited lack of qualifications and other irregularities as key issues.

Responding to CAN State Chairman Very Reverend Dr. Sunday Emma’s appeal to absorb the illegally employed teachers, Governor Sule explained that many of them lack the necessary qualifications to teach. “I was told some of these people who paid money for these jobs are unqualified. Reports suggest some paid up to ₦700,000 for jobs that pay less than ₦100,000 monthly, and 80% of them couldn’t even write acceptance letters. Absorbing them would compromise our goal of reforming education,” he said.

Upon assuming office in 2019, Governor Sule commissioned a survey to assess the state’s education system, which revealed significant deficiencies. Based on recommendations, he approved the hiring of 1,000 qualified teachers. However, the TSC exceeded this limit by recruiting over 1,000 additional teachers without approval.

The Governor emphasized that all recruitment must be based on merit to ensure quality education. “I rejected a 50-slot allocation for political considerations, insisting all teachers must be hired on merit. Without qualified teachers, our efforts to improve education will fail,” he stated.

Governor Sule also expressed concerns over the refusal of many newly employed teachers to work in rural areas, instead opting to remain in urban centers. “We can’t have unqualified teachers who refuse postings to villages where they’re needed most,” he said. He reassured the delegation that his administration’s decision is driven by a commitment to revitalize education rather than create problems for individuals.

To address the situation, the Governor proposed a fresh interview process for all applicants, including the 1,000 initially approved, to ensure fairness and transparency. “We’ll give everyone an equal opportunity and select the best teachers. My dream is to get it right in Nasarawa State, and this requires honesty and doing the right thing,” he remarked.

He assured that no one would be unfairly treated and revealed that a respected committee, led by credible figures including Dr. Yusuf Alfa Tsenya and Dr. Fati Jimeta, has been tasked with investigating the matter.

Earlier, CAN State Chairman Dr. Emma commended Governor Sule for his transparent governance and efforts to address security concerns in the state. He praised the Governor’s decisive action in suspending the TSC leadership over illegal recruitments and appealed for the absorption of the hired teachers to address the existing teacher shortage.

“The suspension of the TSC chairman and members shows your resolve to sanitize our educational system. However, we humbly request that these teachers be properly absorbed and posted to fill vacancies in our schools,” he appealed.