Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has inaugurated 6,030 newly recruited teachers and 345 non teaching staff into the state civil service as part of efforts to strengthen the education sector.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Owerri on Thursday, was described by the governor as a major step towards revitalising education in the state and addressing the shortage of teachers in public schools.
Governor Uzodimma said the recruitment was aimed at restoring dignity to the teaching profession and improving the quality of education across the state.
He declared that his administration would prioritise the welfare and salaries of teachers, stressing that he wants teachers to become among the most important civil servants in Imo State.
According to the governor, the newly recruited teachers have been deployed to public schools within their native communities to promote equitable distribution of teaching personnel and reduce the staffing disparity between rural and urban areas.
Uzodimma also announced plans to provide the teachers with digital teaching devices, while urging them to protect school facilities, maintain clean and conducive learning environments and strengthen relationships with parents and community leaders.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Bernard Ikegwuoha, described the recruitment as a historic milestone in the state’s education sector.
Ikegwuoha said the recruitment followed a comprehensive needs assessment conducted across the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State, adding that it forms part of the broader educational reforms being implemented by the state government.
He also highlighted other initiatives, including the recovery and renaming of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University and the establishment of additional tertiary institutions.
Responding on behalf of the newly recruited teachers, Philomena Maduako expressed appreciation to the state government for the employment opportunity and pledged the commitment of the new teachers to improving educational standards and implementing the state’s education policies.
The ceremony also featured the symbolic presentation of computer tablets to selected teachers, while other beneficiaries were directed to collect their devices after completing their biometric enrolment.
The state government says the recruitment is expected to strengthen manpower in public schools and contribute to improved teaching and learning outcomes across Imo State.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
