74,000 applied for Benue’s teaching job — SUBEB Chairman

The Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, has revealed that no fewer than 74,000 candidates applied for the ongoing teachers’ recruitment exercise in the state. However, only those who met the necessary qualifications were invited to sit for the Computer-Based Test (CBT).

Speaking during her appearance on the state-owned radio programme, Issues of the Moment, Dr. Adagba commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his continued advocacy for due process, transparency, and support for basic education, as well as for backing the recruitment process.

She described him as “the talk and do Governor,” crediting his administration for ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process.

Dr. Adagba encouraged the people of Benue to continue trusting the current administration, which she described as “a government truly for the masses.”

She also expressed gratitude to the Benue State House of Assembly for backing the recruitment process, noting that the exercise had so far been smooth, transparent, and without bias.

She stressed the importance of the real-time result display system, which assures applicants that the recruitment is based purely on merit. “Over 74,000 candidates applied for the vacancies, with only those meeting the necessary qualifications allowed to sit for the test,” she said.

The Executive Chairman also assured that the exercise would be hitch-free, adding that “over 10 technical assistants are on hand to guide the candidates, and light refreshments have also been provided to ensure their comfort.”

Reflecting on the adoption of the CBT process, Dr. Adagba noted the resilience required to implement such changes. “True change requires dedication and the ability to withstand pressure. The recruitment aims to promote transparency and accountability in absorbing new teachers into the system,” she stated.

During the programme, she responded to callers and shared that more than 100 school renovation and construction project sites had already been handed over to contractors. She also hinted at plans to construct storey buildings in public schools and efforts to secure the 2024 matching grant for additional projects.

Dr. Adagba further assured that SUBEB would collaborate with UNICEF to monitor and track newly recruited teachers. She received praise from callers for her innovations at SUBEB and urged continued public support to transform basic education in the state.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Benue State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Education, Mr. Cephas Dyako, commended the smooth conduct of the CBT when he visited the venue to monitor the exercise. He praised the logistical and personnel arrangements, attributing the success to effective planning. “What I see here is really impressive. As the Chairman of the Education Committee and a representative of the Assembly, I believe this settles the concerns we initially had,” Dyako stated.

He admitted that the Assembly was initially sceptical about the CBT’s success but was now convinced it was a more efficient recruitment method. Dyako also commended the resilience and orderly conduct of the applicants and urged SUBEB to maintain transparency throughout the process to ensure only qualified candidates are selected.

In response, Dr. Adagba reassured the public that there would be no compromise in the recruitment process. She also expressed her appreciation to the State House of Assembly for supporting the governor’s efforts to reposition the education sector.

Two candidates, Victoria Agee and Demenongo Ieren, lauded SUBEB for the transparent conduct of the exams and the efficiency of the ICT facilities. Both candidates expressed optimism that they would meet the examination requirements and be selected for recruitment.