The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision to deploy 1,750 Imole Youth Corps teachers to public schools in the state.
According to the APC, the move is a clear indication that the governor is “utterly confused and absolutely derailed” in his governance.
The party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, described the deployment as a “strange policy” that would have a negative impact on the education sector in the state.
Olabisi questioned the logic behind the deployment, given the state’s alleged spending on “needless” projects, such as constructing five flyovers and purchasing expensive vehicles for cabinet members.
The APC also expressed concern about the fate of thousands of teacher-applicants who were interviewed but failed to secure employment, asking Governor Adeleke to resign and apologize to the people of Osun State.
In response to the criticism, Governor Adeleke had earlier stated that the deployment was a stopgap measure to address personnel shortages in schools and prepare for the expansion of teaching personnel in critical subject areas.
The governor also promised to recruit more teachers once the financial climate improves.
Governor said, “These measures are stop gap actions to address personnel shortage in some schools and to prepare ground for the expansion of teaching personnel in critical subject areas.
“The Imole Youth Corps members posted to the schools hold Nigeria Certificate of Education and University degree qualifications and are already functioning in various schools in the state.
Governor Adeleke in his response to the development reaffirmed the determination of the government to strengthen the school system through multiple innovations to further improve Osun attainment in national and local examinations.
According to the Governor, Osun ranking in national examination will soon hit between number 1 to 3 from the present 7th position, promising that teachers recruitment will be achieved before the next elections.
“We will recruit more teachers once the financial climate improves. We are however committed to ensuring a narrowing of the personnel gap in our schools. That is why we innovated on the Imole Teachers Corps.
“We will train and retrain those presently in service. I commend the principals and great members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers. We appreciate the Parents-Teachers Association.
“We will Continue to improve the learning environment for our pupils and students. To this end, we commend the private school operators. They are a critical sector in the positive development of education in our dear state”, the Governor was quoted as saying.
