Earlier yesterday (Wednesday), Hon. Abiodun Suraj Oloye-Tiamy, Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Education Intervention,

paid a courtesy call on the Office of the Chairman, Oyo State Post-Primary Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Pastor Akinade Alamu, to discuss the ongoing recruitment processes for teaching and non-teaching staff and to offer his advice.

Pastor Akinade Alamu warmly received Hon. Tiamy and expressed his gratitude to the Office of the Special Adviser on Education Intervention. He emphasized that working in synergy is a prerequisite for the success of the Governor Makinde-led administration’s educational initiatives.

During their discussion, Pastor Alamu provided several key updates:

• SUPEB Numbers: The computer-based test for the recruitment of teachers will begin on July 22, 2024.
• Previous TESCOM Recruitment: Four years ago, 5000 teachers were recruited. Since then, many secondary school teachers have resigned or retired.
• Current TESCOM Recruitment: This round aims to recruit 7500 secondary school teachers and 3000 non-teaching staff.

He also mentioned that they have contacted the Ministry of Information Technology and the Office of the Governor to set up an online portal for applications. Another 7000 primary school teachers will be recruited for SUPEB, and the portal for non-teaching staff applications has already been closed.

The portal for teacher applications will close on Friday, with over 50,000 requests already submitted by candidates.

Pastor Alamu explained that a computer-based test (CBT) will be used to evaluate candidates. Once the SUPEB recruitment is completed, TESCOM will commence its recruitment by the end of the month. The Governor’s goal is to reduce unemployment and increase access to education in the state.

An inter-ministerial committee, which includes the Civil Service Commission, the Ministry of Establishment and Training, the Association of Principals in Oyo State, and the National Union of Teachers, will oversee the recruitment process.

After the CBT, an oral interview will be conducted following the policy guidelines set by the Governor. Permanent secretaries at TESCOM and well-seasoned educationists will participate in these interviews to ensure transparency and fairness.

The initiative aims to build on the achievements of four years ago, and with the input of 7500 new teachers, education in the state is expected to improve significantly, providing more employment opportunities for the citizens of Oyo State.

The date for the CBT needs to be ratified by the inter-ministerial committee, which will meet on Monday to finalize the schedule.

With barely 48 hours left before the portal closes for new registrations, candidates should focus on preparing thoroughly for the CBT exams.

Pastor Alamu reassured that the process would be transparent, and only the best candidates will be selected.

He expressed optimism that the collaboration between Hon. Tiamy, the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, and TESCOM would continue to yield positive results.

Hon. Tiamy reiterated his commitment to ensuring that 504 schools in Oyo State are renovated and that the 180 teachers needed for primary schools are effectively deployed.

Working with both chairmen has been a great experience, and he is confident that this recruitment process will be free from nepotism, with the CBT determining the cutoff for successful candidates.