By Ngozi Nwankwo
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the recruitment process for 3,252 verified Parent-Teacher Association,PTA, teachers in Federal Unity Colleges, describing it as a landmark intervention that underscores the President’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector and investing in the nation’s future.
Alausa said the decision represents one of the most significant steps taken by the Tinubu Administration to address the longstanding shortage of teachers in Federal Unity Colleges while recognising the dedication and years of service of thousands of PTA teachers who have continued to support learning across the country.
“This is a President who cares deeply for Nigeria and for the future of our country.
“The President has approved the recruitment of teachers. Priority will be given to absorbing verified PTA teachers, many of whom have served in our Federal Unity Colleges and Federal Technical Colleges for almost 25 years. This approval provides them with the opportunity to become part of the mainstream public service,” the Minister said.
Describing the development as a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Alausa said the recruitment will improve the teacher-student ratio in Federal Unity Colleges while rewarding the commitment of teachers who have remained steadfast in supporting quality education despite years of uncertainty.
He explained that the decision followed a comprehensive verification exercise undertaken by an Inter-Ministerial Committee, which carefully screened eligible PTA teachers across the Federal Unity Colleges.
The exercise culminated in the verification of 3,252 teachers across the cadres of Education Officers, Assistant Education Officers and Technical Instructors, paving the way for their regularisation upon the completion of all statutory requirements.
According to the Minister, bringing experienced teachers into the federal public service will preserve valuable institutional knowledge, strengthen classroom instruction and enhance learning outcomes across Federal Unity Colleges.
He added that the recruitment forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to improve teacher quality and reposition the colleges as centres of academic excellence.
Alausa reaffirmed that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to work closely with the relevant government agencies to conclude the remaining statutory processes required for the issuance of the final recruitment approval in accordance with extant public service regulations.
He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the recruitment process, describing the decision as another demonstration of the administration’s resolve to place education at the heart of national development.
The Minister noted that investing in teachers is fundamental to building a stronger education system, as no education system can rise above the quality of its teachers.
He assured all verified PTA teachers that the Ministry remains fully committed to ensuring that the regularisation process is concluded with transparency, fairness and diligence, in full compliance with due process and established public service regulations.
“This administration is determined to ensure that every child in our Federal Unity Colleges is taught by qualified, motivated and professionally supported teachers. We will continue to pursue reforms that improve learning outcomes and restore confidence in public education for the benefit of every Nigerian child,” he said.
The Education Minister reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to implementing policies that strengthen the teaching profession, improve learning outcomes and ensure that every learner in Nigeria’s Federal Unity Colleges has access to quality education delivered by competent and dedicated teachers.
