From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Governor Abdullahi Sule has suspended the Chairman and members of the Nasarawa State Teachers Service Commission (TSC) following allegations of irregularities in the recruitment of teachers.
The directive was issued during a meeting at the Government House on Monday. Governor Sule also instructed the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State to set up a three-member committee to investigate the activities of the TSC and uncover the root causes of the alleged misconduct.
Governor Sule disclosed that his approval was strictly for the recruitment of 1,000 teachers, but the TSC allegedly recruited over 1,000 additional teachers without authorization. He expressed concern over reports that some individuals paid money to secure teaching appointments, which tarnished his administration’s reputation.
“This is the most terrible thing I have heard. We have no other choice but to suspend the entire TSC and investigate. If anyone has collected money for employment, they should face the law,” the Governor stated.
Despite reserving 50 slots for contingencies within the approved 1,000 teachers, the Governor criticized the TSC’s unauthorized recruitment. He lamented that some schools in rural areas are still understaffed, while many newly recruited teachers prefer to remain in urban centers.
The Governor emphasized fairness and accountability, reiterating his administration’s commitment to ensuring transparency in public service.
During the meeting, Nasarawa State Commissioner of Education, Dr. John Mamman, clarified that the government had approved and paid for the recruitment of 1,000 teachers, costing N576 million annually. However, he noted ongoing complaints about unpaid teachers, raising concerns about additional unauthorized recruitments.
The suspended TSC Chairman, Mohammed Abubakar Gada, and Secretary, Labaran Shafa, presented conflicting accounts during the meeting. While Gada claimed 750 additional teachers were hired to replace those who left, Shafa disclosed that over 1,000 extra teachers were recruited.