Date: 2021-02-22

.History will be kind to Gov AbdulRazaq: Provost CoED Ilorin

.It's a laudable, transparent process: Prof. Kolo

Qualifying examination for applicants for teaching jobs under the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) commenced on Monday across all the 16 designated centres in the state, with the applicants and top academics applauding the government for giving everyone a level playing ground.

Some of the computer based test (CBT) centres visited to monitor the process included the ones at College of Education Ilorin, Kwara Polytechnic Ilorin, University of Ilorin, and Kwara Television Station premises respectively. The examination was also held simultaneously in Offa, Malete, and Lafiagi.

Some of the candidates who spoke to newsmen shortly after writing their examination expressed optimism about their chances and acknowledged that the recruitment exercise is marked with fairness and transparency.

"When I applied I never knew I would be contacted for examination. I had earlier been told that it was all a jamboree and that politicians have shared the slots among themselves. But I am convinced with what I have seen so far that such claims are false. I can see that the process is truly meant to ensure that everyone proves that they are qualified and competent to be given the job. I am satisfied with the process so far," Suleiman Muhammed from Baruten local government area said.

"I have done my best. The process is perfect and transparent and I put my hope in God."

Sese Mariam from Asa LG said she was confident of passing the exams and getting employed, thanking the government for being transparent.

Mustapha Abdulganiy Olayinka, a physically challenged applicant from Alanamu ward in Ilorin West LG, also lauded the manner with which the government is ascertaining their fitness for the job.

He expressed hope that his trial will fetch him the job at the end of the day. Exam supervisor at the College of Education Ilorin centre, Dr. Abdul Falilat Ajoke, said they were on top of their game and assured all candidates of fairness and transparency.

"The process has been peaceful and hitch-free. The good thing about it is we have been covid-19 compliant. We are going to have a team of batches. A batch of 250 per session and we are on the third session now. The applicant should rest assured that they will get a fair treatment and 100 percent of what they actually need, because this is one the most transparent examinations you can think of. It is a computer based test (CBT) and as they are entering the issue of impersonation is totally eradicated," she said.

"It is an hour exam; twenty minutes for verification and forty minutes for the exam. For now we are hoping that the programme will last for two days. But nature cannot be controlled. In case of anything there will be another day for mop-up, probably on Thursday, in order to be fair to all applicants."

Professor Sheu Adaramaja, a member of the committee overseeing the test, declared that some applicants were disqualified from writing the examination either because their registration and O level results were not complete, they applied for courses that were not advertised, or on account of age.

He said the exam whose results for today's would be released tonight, will be followed by certificate verification and later by interview. Professor Adaramaja reiterated that the state government is very particular about fair conduct of the exercise.

"The vacancies were based on needs assessment. The SUBEB and TESCOM declared the number of vacancies in their respective establishments. Based on that, His Excellency the Governor of Kwara State approved that for Chemistry teachers this is number to employ; for biology this is the number to employ. But for Economics, for example, SUBEB did not declare vacancy for that, same thing for TESCOM. So, if you have NCE or B.Ed in Economics and you applied for this type of thing you will be disqualified. That is just one example of it," he explained.

Provost of the College of Education Ilorin Prof. Abdulraheem Yusuf described the recruitment process as the first of its kind in its thoroughness, openness, and quality.

"This is the first time a reliable exam is being conducted (to recruit teachers) because we want the best to teach our children. So, today is a day that everybody must continue to remember and I'm certain that history will be happy with His Excellency," he said.

"This is the first time we are having this kind of a thing and we are happy with it. Also, I must let you know that this college has been accredited by JAMB and other examination bodies as a centre that has credibility. So, we believe that the result that is coming out from this exam will be adjudged as one of the best."

Prof Philip Kolo, head of the CBT Centre at the University of Ilorin, commended the government for opting for a transparent process. He said the centre has been complying with COVID-19 protocols, saying that the candidates would soon see their results.

He thanked the state government for partnering with Unilorin, adding: "It is a welcome development for Kwara State Government to partner with Unilorin. This is a transparent process which I wish to see more in future."

The results for the applicants who sat Monday's examination are due later tonight. The examination for other applicants continue until Thursday.