Governor Sule Cracks Down on TSC, Suspends Chairman and Members for Misconduct
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has taken strong action by suspending the chairman and members of the State Teachers Service Commission (TSC) amid accusations of misconduct during the recent teacher recruitment process. The decision was announced during a meeting at the Government House in Lafia on Tuesday, where the Governor expressed his frustration with the irregularities that had occurred.
Governor Sule revealed that while the state had authorized the hiring of 1,000 teachers, the TSC exceeded this number by recruiting more than 2,000 teachers without prior approval. He emphasized that although the recruitment plan had included 50 slots for special contingencies, the TSC’s actions in hiring 750 additional teachers had placed an undue strain on the system.
“This is unacceptable,” Governor Sule said. “I approved 1,000 teachers, with 50 reserved for special circumstances, but the TSC went ahead and recruited 750 more, even when some schools in rural areas still only have two or three teachers. Now, I’m being blamed for salary delays.”
The Governor also addressed claims of corruption that had surfaced, with allegations suggesting that individuals were asked to pay for teaching positions. Describing the situation as “the worst I’ve heard,” Sule ordered the Secretary to the State Government to form a three-member committee to investigate the matter thoroughly. He made it clear that any individual found guilty of accepting bribes would be taken to court.
“We must get to the bottom of this. If anyone collected money for recruitment, they must face the law,” Governor Sule said. “This situation is unfair to me and the people of Nasarawa State.”
In response to the controversy, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Dr. John Mamman, reassured that the 1,000 approved teachers had already received their salaries. However, concerns about unpaid teachers persisted, with the Commissioner suggesting that the TSC should be consulted to address these issues.
Meanwhile, confusion reigned among TSC officials regarding the number of recruits. The suspended TSC Chairman, Mohammed Abubakar Gada, claimed that the 750 additional teachers were hired to replace 300 teachers who had left their positions. However, TSC Secretary, Labaran Shafa, contradicted this, stating that over 1,000 additional teachers had been recruited, further complicating the situation.
The investigation is expected to shed light on the full extent of the irregularities and hold those responsible accountable, as the state works to resolve the issue and restore transparency to the recruitment process.
