Prince Kassim Afegbua, a member of the APC Transition Committee, criticized the recruitment of 4,000 teachers by Governor Godwin Obaseki, alleging that it was a deliberate attempt to disrupt the incoming government of Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Afegbua expressed skepticism about the timing and intention behind the recruitment, describing it as politically motivated rather than a genuine effort to improve education in Edo State.
Afegbua pointed out that throughout Governor Obaseki’s tenure, there had been a notable absence of teacher recruitment until this late-stage initiative.
He compared this move unfavorably with previous administrations, citing former Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s recruitment of 2,500 teachers near the end of his term, which Obaseki allegedly canceled upon assuming office.
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He emphasized Senator Okpebholo’s commitment to transparent and merit-based recruitment processes for teachers, contrasting this with what he perceives as Obaseki’s politically driven actions.
In response, Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Edo State, defended the recruitment as crucial for sustaining the EdoBest educational program’s progress.
Nehikhare dismissed Afegbua’s criticisms as politically motivated and lacking understanding of governance processes.
He emphasized that the recruitment process had begun long before the elections, emphasizing the current administration’s dedication to improving educational standards in the state.
Nehikhare urged Edo residents, especially teachers, parents, and students, not to be swayed by Afegbua’s comments, asserting that the recruitment of qualified teachers was a legitimate effort to bolster the state’s education system.
(NAN)
