The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, and the Executive Chairman of the Post Primary Schools Board (PPSB), High Chief Millionaire Asangba, are at loggerheads over the teachers’ recruitment exercise.

Emelah had on Wednesday, January 15, ordered the immediate suspension of the exercise, citing various controversies surrounding it, which, according to him, have led to “public mistrust.”

He further directed that the recruitment committee hand over to the Ministry of Education data comprising names of candidates who applied, names of applicants who sat for the interview, names of those shortlisted, and names of those issued appointment letters.

Emelah, who gave a deadline of Friday, January 17, for the relevant data to be submitted, also announced the immediate suspension of the issuance of appointment letters.

He appealed for calm from Bayelsans, noting that the state government was committed to “a free, fair, and transparent employment exercise that will be generally acceptable by all.”

“We call upon all recently recruited teachers and the people of Bayelsa State to remain calm and confident in the completed recruitment process, as the integrity of our educational institutions depends on our ability to maintain focus on our objectives.

“In summary, the suspension of an already concluded teachers’ recruitment exercise, as announced by the Hon. Commissioner for Education, is misleading regarding the actual facts on the ground, even as his concerns for the application of global best practices for the process are appreciated.”

The Post Primary Schools Board urges all the newly recruited teachers to remain at their duty posts, carrying out their jobs effectively and diligently, while those who have yet to report should do so immediately. The Board, therefore, reaffirms its dedication to serving the state and the public in line with global standards. We urge the public to support the Board, and together, we can ensure a brighter future for education in Bayelsa State. (Daily Sun)