Governor Sule Prioritizes Merit-Based Teacher Recruitment to Revamp Nasarawa's Education

By Tukura Matthew

Governor Abdullahi Alhaji Sule has underscored his administration's commitment to revitalizing education in Nasarawa State by prioritizing the recruitment of qualified teachers. This focus was central to his address at an induction ceremony for 781 newly recruited secondary school teachers held at the Ta’al Hotel conference hall in Lafia.

Governor Sule stated that his resolve stems from a 2019 meeting with United Nations (UN), World Bank, and Federal Ministry of Education officials in Abuja, where he was confronted with the state’s poor educational performance.

“The revelation was shocking,” Sule said. “We discovered the high number of school dropouts and the abysmal performance in NECO and WAEC examinations. My greatest shock was that Nasarawa consistently ranked between 31st and 33rd out of 36 states, including the FCT. I always buried my head in shame at such meetings.”

This sobering reality became a driving force for reform. Recounting his own solid foundation at Roman Catholic Primary School in Gudi, the Governor resolved not to compromise on recruiting qualified teachers to impart knowledge, provide adequate structures, and ensure a conducive learning environment.

He assured the new teachers, “There is enough money to pay your salaries in full; you don’t have to worry. We have the resources to improve our structures and your conditions of service. Rule out corruption and help ensure our education system becomes a beacon of renewed hope.”

Governor Sule also addressed a recent scandal, expressing disappointment with the previous management of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). He had instructed them to recruit 1,500 qualified teachers, but the team exceeded the mandate, employing 4,243 individuals—including unqualified candidates—and allegedly commercializing the process. The Governor commended the new TSC Chairman, Ambassador Timothy Kasuwa, for rectifying the process and appointing based on merit. He appealed to the public, “If you see what is going wrong, speak up; we will hear you.”

The event was attended by dignitaries who echoed the Governor's sentiments.

The Emir of Lafia, Justice Muhammad Sidi Bage, urged the new teachers to do their best, emphasizing that the state's future depends on the quality of knowledge they impart.

The Aguma of Bassa, HRH Dr. David Wodi Tukura, linked national development to teachers, stating, “Show me your teacher, and I will tell you your future.”

State Head of Civil Service, Barrister Abigail Waya, confirmed that subsequent state appointments would follow this new merit-based standard. Education Commissioner Dr. John Mamman declared, “Any nation that maltreats a teacher places a curse on itself.”

In a keynote address, educationist and former SSG Dr. Zainab Talatu Ahmed commended the Governor’s commitment. “When you take care of the teacher, you have done 70% of what is needed to bring transformation through education,” she said.

TSC Chairman Ambassador Kasuwa pledged that the commission would not abuse the privilege to serve, attributing their achievements to the Governor’s political will.

It will be recalled that since 2019, Governor Sule has approved the promotion of over 5,000 teachers, initiated improvements for rural schools, and established a committee to reposition the state’s civil service for effective delivery.

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