45,000 Applicants Vie for 2,000 Teaching Slots in Ogun State
Over 45,000 hopefuls applied for 2,000 positions in the recently concluded Ogun Teach intern program of the Ogun State government, as revealed by the State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu. This staggering number of applications indicates fierce competition for the coveted spots, ensuring that only the most outstanding candidates will be selected to receive their letters of engagement by the end of April.
During the 2nd term pre-resumption stakeholders meeting for the 2023/2024 academic session at Lisabi Grammar School, Idi Aba, Abeokuta, Arigbabu emphasized the government’s commitment to providing free education from primary to secondary schools in the State. He cautioned that any headteacher or principal found flouting this policy would face severe sanctions.
Arigbabu credited the government’s declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector upon assuming office, leading to significant improvements such as extensive renovations and the construction of additional classrooms to create a conducive learning environment. He also highlighted the recent employment of 1,000 teachers, who have been granted permanent positions, and the upcoming recruitment of another 2,000 teachers through the OgunTeach Intern program. This initiative has garnered massive interest, with 45,000 applicants vying for the limited positions, demonstrating the high demand for teaching opportunities in the state.
Reiterating the government’s stance on free education, Arigbabu stressed that no student should be charged any fees, emphasizing the administration’s goal of reducing the number of out-of-school children. He cautioned school administrators against deviating from this policy, emphasizing that any infractions would be met with strict penalties.
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s pledge to award 10,000 scholarships to students from primary to tertiary institutions in the state further underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing access to education. Additionally, the state is preparing for its first Education Summit in February, aimed at evaluating the education sector’s current state and identifying areas for improvement to achieve excellence.
As schools gear up for the second term of the 2023/2024 academic session commencing on January 8, Arigbabu urged school administrators to demonstrate leadership, prioritize security measures, and adhere to government regulations to ensure a successful academic term.
Source: Vanguard News
