A competitive examination is underway for 380 teaching positions across secondary schools, attracting no fewer than 6,700 applicants in Enugu
The News Agency of Nigeria observed the scene at several examination centers on Saturday, noting the high turnout.
Chairman of the Enugu State Post Primary School Management Board, Fr. Hilary Mgbodile, revealed that over 12,000 applications were initially received.
From this pool, 6,700 candidates were shortlisted for the 380 available roles, aimed at filling vacancies left by retired staff.
The examination is being conducted at five centers; Union Boys Secondary School, Queen School Enugu, Holy Rosary College, College of Immaculate Conception, and Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School, Enugu. Applicants are being tested in English, ICT, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Mgbodile noted a high number of applicants for specific subjects—over 2,000 for English and 1,700 for ICT, despite the board only needing 80 ICT teachers.
“So we are picking the best of the best which is the only consideration and parameter for the selection of the teachers,” he said.
He emphasized that the selection process will focus on choosing the most qualified candidates. If suitable candidates are not found, the board will initiate another recruitment cycle.
“We cannot lower the standard because we cannot get what we want.
“The recruitment is being done by PPSMB but in order to reduce pressure and to ensure meritocracy and absolute objectivity, we decided to seek the assistance of independent recruiting company,” Mgbodile said.
The recruitment process is supported by an independent recruiting company to ensure merit and objectivity.
Mgbodile explained that some applicants were excluded due to their age above 45 years, lack of relevant qualifications, or missing certificates.
He also noted that some applicants applied for subjects outside their qualifications.
“While some did not have the requisite qualifications for the subject they intend to teach, those that studied Social Studies may apply to teach English which is not incompatible,” he said.
The recruitment aims to address teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas.
Following a directive from Governor Peter Mbah, the board has reassigned teachers from urban to rural schools and is now seeking to fill gaps in key subjects like sciences.
The goal is to enhance the quality of public education and reduce reliance on private and mission schools.
Mgbodile expressed a commitment to restoring high educational standards and aligning with Governor Mbah’s vision to improve public schools and inspire confidence among parents.
“As we are doing that, we discovered that we lacked teachers in some key subjects like sciences and other core subjects
“We made a recommendation to Gov Mbah on the need to recruit teachers to fill the shortfalls of science teachers which he approved.
“That is why we want to recruit competent professionals who studied Engineering, to teach Chemistry.
“I want to restore the legacy of teaching and learning and make it easier for parents to stop borrowing while taking their children to private and mission schools.
“I want to restore confidence in the public schools and Mbah is a pathfinder in this regard and we want to follow his mantra,” he said.
