The Federal Government has unveiled plans to recruit 3,500 teachers for Federal Unity Colleges across the country.
This initiative was announced by Dr. Yusuf Sununu, Minister of State for Education, during a two-day National Stakeholders’ Forum on Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria.
The forum, themed “Revitalising Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria for Global Competitiveness,” gathered key education stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing the country’s secondary education system.
Dr. Sununu highlighted that the recruitment drive is aimed at significantly improving the quality of education in Federal Unity Colleges.
“We are collaborating closely with the Office of the Head of Service, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and other relevant agencies to bring on board 3,500 teachers for our federal government colleges nationwide,” he stated. He also emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to extensive training and retraining of school staff.
Additionally, Dr. Sununu noted that more than 1,000 staff members have already been trained in technology application in education through the Ministry’s research resource center. He mentioned the establishment of over 53 vocational skills acquisition centers, aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, to meet the skills needs of young Nigerians. Approval has also been granted for the construction of 50 additional model schools across the country to further enhance teaching and learning.
“Revitalising the Senior Secondary Education sub-sector to meet global demands requires strategic actions to optimize the system,” Dr. Sununu remarked. “Today marks a significant step in our journey to improve the quality of education for our young learners. Senior Secondary Education is a critical phase that shapes the future of our learners and, by extension, our nation.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of the senior secondary curriculum to ensure global competitiveness. Represented by Rep. Mark Usani, Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education and Services, Abbas identified challenges facing senior secondary education, such as the shortage of qualified teachers, insufficient funding, and inadequate infrastructure.
Dr. Iyela Ajayi, Executive Secretary of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), underscored the need for stakeholders to take ownership of the national policy on senior secondary education and ensure its effective implementation.
