𝗟𝗮𝗴𝗼𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗹𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

By NigerDelta Voice,

𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐚, 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚.

The Lagos State Government has concluded the recruitment of 992 education officers and is set to deploy the newly recruited teachers to public secondary schools across the state's six education districts, even as the exercise continues to attract criticism from some applicants and members of the public.

The appointment letters were presented by the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) as part of efforts to address teacher shortages, particularly in science and technical subjects, replace retired personnel, and improve the quality of teaching in public secondary schools.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, TESCOM Chairman, Mrs. Victoria Mopelola Peregrino, congratulated the successful applicants and described the recruitment process as rigorous and comprehensive. She urged the teachers to uphold the ethics of the profession, embrace innovation in the classroom, integrate technology into teaching, and remain committed to the welfare and academic development of their students.

According to her, the recruitment exercise is a continuous process aimed at ensuring Lagos public schools are adequately staffed to meet the demands of the state's rapidly growing population.

She also advised the new teachers to avoid unprofessional conduct, maintain decent dressing, and demonstrate diligence in carrying out their responsibilities.

Similarly, TESCOM Board Member representing Ikeja Division, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye, and the Commission's Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olawale Ojikutu, warned the recruits against bullying, sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct, stressing that the Lagos State Government has zero tolerance for such behaviour.

On behalf of the newly recruited teachers, Mr. Orire Ajayi Samuel expressed appreciation to the state government for the opportunity, promising that the successful applicants would serve diligently.

However, reactions on social media suggest that not everyone is convinced about the transparency of the recruitment exercise.

Several Facebook users questioned the selection process, alleging that political influence and patronage may have played a role in determining successful candidates.

One commenter argued that describing the process as "rigorous" does not automatically make it transparent, calling on the government to publish its scoring criteria, anonymised results and selection methodology to strengthen public confidence.

Another commenter claimed to have applied for teaching positions five times since 2017 without receiving any invitation, questioning whether the recruitment was influenced by tribal or political considerations.

Others alleged that political office holders were allocated employment slots, while some expressed concern that such practices, if true, could undermine educational standards.

Despite the criticisms, some social media users congratulated the newly recruited teachers and wished them success as they prepare to resume duties in Lagos State public secondary schools.

The Lagos State Government has maintained that the recruitment exercise was conducted to strengthen the education sector and ensure students have access to qualified teachers across the state.