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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah and the Executive Chairman of the Post Primary Schools Board (PPSB), Chief Millionaire Asangba are at loggerheads over the teacher’s recruitment exercise.
Emelah had on Wednesday, ordered the immediate suspension of the exercise citing various controversies surrounding the exercise which according to him has led to public mistrust.
He also directed that the recruitment committee hand over to the Ministry of Education data comprising names of candidates who applied, names of applicants that sat for interview, names of those shortlisted, and names of those issued appointment letters.
Emelah, who gave a deadline of Friday, January 17 for the relevant data to be submitted also announced the immediate suspension of issuance of appointment letters.
He had appealed for calm from Bayelsans noting that the state government was committed to ‘’a free, fair and transparent employment exercise that will be generally acceptable by all’’
However, Asangba, on behalf of the board faulted Emelah’s announcement stating that it was misleading and a dent on the integrity of the board.
In a statement, he said the recruitment process was carried out with the utmost transparency, rigorously following established protocols.
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According to him, all stages, from application to interview, were properly documented and communicated clearly to ensure that candidates and stakeholders were informed.
He, therefore, rejected the claims of Emelah that the exercise was dogged with “various controversies,” and dubbed it an attempt to cast unwarranted doubt on a process that has been managed with integrity.
Asangba who noted that Emelah’s announcement was misinforming the public stressed that it is not only counterproductive but also damaging to the morale of the newly recruited teachers who are already functioning in their places of assignment since September 1st, 2024.
The chairman, who implored all the teachers to remain calm and continue in their duty posts, declared that the teacher’s recruitment had been completed.
“We call upon all recently recruited teachers and the people of Bayelsa State to remain calm and confident in the completed recruitment process, that the integrity of our educational institutions depends on our ability to maintain focus on our objectives.
“In summary, the suspension of an already concluded teachers’ recruitment exercise as announced by the Hon. Commissioner for Education is misleading of the actual fact on the ground even as his concerns for the application of global best practices for the process is appreciated.’’
The Post Primary Schools Board urges all the newly recruited teachers to remain at their duty posts carrying out their jobs effectively and diligently while those that are yet to report should please do so immediately. The Board therefore reaffirms its dedication to serving the state and the public in line with global standards. We urge the public to support the Board and together, we can ensure a brighter future for education in Bayelsa State.
