By Donald Kumun
The recent teachers recruitment exercise in Benue State, transcends a mere administrative action; but serves as a beacon of hope for the poor, marginalized, population of Benue state.
The exercise spearheaded by His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, stands as a monumental stride towards securing the future of both the present and unborn generations. This singular outing by the Governor, is not just about filling vacant teaching positions; it is a profound declaration that education is the ultimate weapon against the combined insidious and vicious forces of poverty and illiteracy, and the bedrock for enhanced human capital development.
By prioritizing the bedrock of learning, Governor Alia has initiated a sound, silent but forward-looking revolution, one whose dividends will echo through the decades, shaping a more enlightened, productive, and prosperous Benue state.
Education, as numerous studies and real-world examples have consistently demonstrated, is the most potent catalyst for a genuinely progressive ethos and the much desired socio-economic transformation of society. It is a torch stone of enlightenment that liberates individuals from the shackles of ignorance, empowering them with knowledge and skills, and opening doors to opportunities that would otherwise remain elusive.
In a society where illiteracy often correlates with poverty, a working, robust, responsive and accessible educational system serves as a powerful ladder, that has lifted several communities out of destitution and into the realm of self-sufficiency and improved standards of living. The Governor’s understanding of this fundamental truth is evident in the sheer scale and strategic implementation of this teacher recruitment drive.
The significant number of teachers recruited through a transparent and credible Computer-Based Test (CBT) process by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and supervised by the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, is an indication of the administration’s commitment to competence and merit. This is a departure from previous practices, signaling a new era where qualified individuals are empowered to shape the minds of Benue’s bright future.
The choice of a Computer-Based Test (CBT) option by the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), is an indication of the Governor’s commitment to transparency and efficiency. The CBT mechanism enabled real-time score display, mitigating concerns of favoritism or manipulation. Dr. Grace Adagba, the SUBEB Executive Chairman, affirmed the election-style process, noting that “real-time result displayed, assures applicants that the recruitment exercise was based purely on merit,” eliminating any undue influence. The State Assembly’s Ad-Hoc Committee also endorsed the process, stating it met all legal and procedural standards.
It must be unequivocally stated that Over 74,000 candidates applied during the exercise; which is an overwhelming demonstration of public trust and a testament to pent-up demand for quality employment and educational infrastructure. Of these, 48,895 applicants sat for the Computer-Based Test (CBT), competing for slots and consequently about 9,700 successful candidates, received their employment letters during the past week.
The ripple effect of this investment is profound. A well-trained and motivated teaching workforce is the engine room of quality education and the much desired promising future for the Benue of our dreams. They are the frontline soldiers in the war against illiteracy and poverty, equipped to impact not just academic knowledge, but also critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and ethical values that are indispensable for societal progress and overall development.
By placing these capable hands in classrooms across the state, Governor Alia is not just directly addressing the critical human capital deficit; but more importantly laying the foundation stone for Benue’s most valuable resource – its people – ensuring that they are adequately prepared to navigate the complexities of the 21st century going forward.
What makes this recruitment exercise particularly remarkable, is its widespread impact; meticulously designed to cut across all the 23 local government areas of the state. This deliberate and equitable distribution of teachers across the State, underscores Governor Alia’s vision for inclusive development. It recognizes that educational disparities often fuel social and economic inequalities – and as such distribute poverty in the same manner. By ensuring that schools in even the most remote corners of Benue receive qualified teachers, the administration is effectively dismantling geographical barriers to quality education, mental ascendancy and and economic prosperity.
Prior to this intervention, many rural and underserved communities in Benue State, grappled with a severe shortage of teachers, leading to overcrowded classrooms, poor learning outcomes, and ultimately, a perpetuation of underperformance and poverty cycles. Children in these areas were often denied the foundational education necessary to compete with their counterparts in more urbanized centers.
Moreover, this recruitment exercise directly addresses this imbalance, injecting fresh talent and renewed hope into these previously neglected schools. Imagine the transformative effect of qualified teachers bringing their expertise and passion to classrooms in Ukum, Kwande, Gwer West, and Ogbadibo, just as they would in Makurdi. This equitable access to quality instruction is a game-changer, ensuring that every Benue child, regardless of their geographical location, has an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Furthermore, this investment in the teaching profession, goes beyond just numbers. Governor Alia’s administration has also reportedly approved a new minimum wage for public school teachers, a move that speaks volumes about his understanding of teacher welfare and its direct correlation with teaching quality. A well-compensated teacher is a motivated teacher, one who can focus on their pedagogical responsibilities without the constant burden of financial insecurity. By this, the old sailing that the ‘teachers reward is in heaven’, has been dismantled. And replaced with the prevailing and improved welfare which certainly creates an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning.
Beyond the immediate impact on classrooms, this teacher recruitment exercise is a strategic investment in the long-term sustainable development of Benue State. A literate and skilled population attracts investment, fosters innovation, and drives economic growth. As more young people receive quality education, they are better positioned to pursue higher education, acquire specialized skills, and engage in entrepreneurial ventures. This, in turn, broadens the state’s economic base, reduces unemployment, and creates a more vibrant and self-reliant populace.
The future of Benue lies in the capabilities of its children and youth. By empowering them with knowledge, Governor Alia is not just securing their individual futures, but also laying a solid foundation for a stronger, more resilient Benue. This singular, yet profound commitment to education, stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with visionary leadership and purposeful action, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. The reverberations of this teacher recruitment will be felt for generations, and actually serve as a lasting legacy of Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s unwavering dedication to building a brighter, more prosperous Benue for all. This too, is a step in the right direction.
Donald Kumun, is the Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Print Media, and writes from Makurdi the State Capital.
