Akure, Ondo State – In a significant display of discontent, newly recruited teachers in Ondo State have taken to the streets, calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene in a situation that has left many feeling marginalized and unjustly treated. The protest unfolded at the Governor’s office in Alagbaka, Akure, where the teachers voiced their frustrations over their exclusion from the ongoing capturing exercise organized by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The demonstration comes in the wake of allegations that these teachers were denied participation due to purported backdoor employment practices and the issuance of fraudulent appointment letters by officials at SUBEB and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM). Protesters carried placards with messages demanding justice and inclusion, emphasizing their belief that their qualifications and commitment to education should not be undermined by administrative irregularities.
“Our struggle is not just for ourselves but for the integrity of the teaching profession in Ondo State,” one protester stated. “We were recruited through the proper channels, yet we find ourselves sidelined due to the actions of a few unscrupulous individuals within the system.” The protesters have expressed their determination to seek redress, urging the state government to investigate the circumstances surrounding their recruitment and the appointment letters they received.
The capturing exercise, crucial for the integration of teachers into the state’s education system, has been met with controversy, particularly regarding the transparency of the recruitment process. Critics argue that the alleged practices of backdoor employment not only undermine the credibility of the education sector but also contribute to a growing sense of disenfranchisement among qualified candidates who have adhered to the established recruitment protocols.
The teachers are calling for immediate action from Governor Aiyedatiwa, asking for a thorough review of the recruitment process and the reinstatement of their rights to be included in the capturing exercise. As of now, there has been no official response from the Governor’s office regarding the protest or the issues raised by the teachers.
The situation remains tense as the protesters continue to gather, determined to make their voices heard and ensure that their plight does not go unnoticed. Stakeholders in the education sector are urged to pay attention to these developments, as the outcomes could have significant implications for the future of educational governance in Ondo State.
As the protest unfolds, the commitment of these educators to advocate for their rightful inclusion in the educational framework of the state is a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced within Nigeria’s education system, highlighting the need for transparency, fairness, and accountability in recruitment and employment practices.
