Jigawa State Governor affirms commitment to teachers’ aptitude test despite protests

Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to conducting an aptitude test for the employment of 3,000 teaching staff. The governor emphasized that this measure is essential to ensure transparency in the process.

The decision comes in response to protests by J-Teach members against the scheduled aptitude tests, which are part of the government’s plan to absorb 3,000 out of the 4,500 recruited J-Teach (temporary teachers). The Jigawa State House of Assembly previously approved the absorption of the teaching staff as part of efforts to address the teacher shortage in the state.

Governor Namadi clarified that the absorption of J-Teach staff into permanent positions is intended to be done in phases. The first phase aims to absorb 3,000 teachers, and the aptitude test is designed to select the best candidates based on merit rather than random selection. Those who do not pass the test will continue working as J-Teach members until the next round of recruitment.

The governor stressed the necessity of the aptitude test to ensure that only qualified candidates are recruited. For those who do not pass the test, alternative plans, including vocational training and empowerment, are being considered.

Governor Namadi assured the public that no candidate would be recruited outside the existing pool of 4,500 J-Teach staff. He also mentioned that the new date for the aptitude test would be announced, urging understanding and cooperation from all stakeholders in the education sector.