The Osun State Government has clarified that the issuance of appointment letters to the first batch of newly recruited teachers is ongoing, dismissing claims that top officials are stalling the process. Spokesperson to the Governor, Olawale Rasheed, made the clarification on X on Tuesday following media reports suggesting that the Head of Service and the Chief of Staff were delaying the exercise over financial considerations.
Rasheed explained that the delay was caused by funding challenges and the implementation of the new minimum wage, but emphasized that the Governor’s directive to issue letters is being actively processed by the relevant agencies. “Media reports that the Head of Service and the Chief of Staff are blocking the release of letters of appointment are false. The said top officials are actually working hard to ensure the first phase of the exercise is successfully completed,” Rasheed said.
He noted that both the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) are working under the supervision of the Ministry of Education through the Chief of Staff to ensure teachers are properly distributed between the two agencies.
The spokesperson urged media organisations to seek official clarification before publishing reports that could distort facts or cast aspersions on public officers performing their duties. He added that the recruitment process is ongoing and the public will be informed through official channels as milestones are achieved.
Rasheed reaffirmed that the Adeleke-led administration remains committed to good governance, strengthening education, and fulfilling its promises to the people of Osun State. “The Osun State Government urges media organisations to seek official clarification before publishing reports capable of distorting facts or casting aspersions on public officers who are diligently performing their constitutional duties,” he said.
The recruitment process, which began in February 2024, aims to fill 5,000 teaching positions in public primary and secondary schools across the state. The application process was conducted online, and successful candidates were required to meet specific qualifications, including a WASSCE/NECO-SSCE/NABTEB certificate with five credits in relevant subjects.
The Osun State Government has faced criticism over the delay in issuing appointment letters to successful candidates, with some accusing the administration of lacking transparency and accountability. However, Rasheed maintained that the government is committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair and transparent.
The government has also been urged to address the shortage of teachers in public schools, which has resulted in increased workload for existing staff and negatively impacted the quality of education. The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has given the government a five-day ultimatum to release appointment letters to successful candidates.
The Osun State Government has assured the public that it is working to address the concerns and ensure that the recruitment process is completed as soon as possible.
