From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo

The Center for Responsive Governance (CRG) yesterday called on Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration in Osun State to urgently recruit qualified teachers to address the existing shortage in public schools and improve the quality of education.According to the press statement in Osogbo, the Osun State capital by the CRG Executive Director, Ayodeji Ologun said that the development is crucial for ensuring adequate staffing and preventing further disruptions in the educational system.

According to the group, refusal of the government to recruit teachers is evil and it amounts to obtaining fraud on the part of the state government that the job seekers paid to access the job opportunity and have seen no light in over a year.”The Hallmark of a responsible government is to uphold promises and ensure that all processes commenced are fulfilled in fairness and justifiably so.”It is irresponsible of the Osun State Government that since 7th of January 2024 that the state executive council gave the approval for recruitment, it has not seen the light of the day a year and a half after whereas other states like Oyo and Ondo who commenced similar recruitment have since completed it and the teachers resumed to their duty.”The government should prioritize the allocation of appointment letters to those already shortlisted by them to fill the existing vacancies and stop making excuses and empty promises”There is no doubt that the state is facing a significant shortage of qualified teachers across various subjects.”This shortage impacts the ability of schools to provide quality education and can lead to overcrowded classrooms and increased workload for existing teachers.”It is not enough to bask in the euphoria of improvement in the position of NECO or WAEC results of the state, deliberate moves must be made in quality investment in Education and that begins with recruiting qualified and competent teachers” the group stated.The CRG added further that recruiting qualified teachers is essential for maintaining educational standards and ensuring students receive the necessary knowledge and skills.The group asked the government to prioritize the employment of individuals with the appropriate qualifications and experience.”The delay in issuing appointment letters to shortlisted candidates is a cause for concern.”The government should expedite the process of finalizing appointments and ensure that all qualified candidates receive their letters promptly. This will enable them to begin teaching and contribute to the education system.”The ongoing shortage of teachers can lead to further disruptions in the educational process. Urgent recruitment will help to alleviate this issue and prevent any further negative impact on students’ learning.”The state government should consider increasing the number of teachers to be recruited to meet the identified needs. It would be recalled that the state Government announced the approval to recruit 5000 teachers in February of the year 2024. The question then is why the delay? “Additionally, the government should ensure that the recruitment process is transparent and fair, with all qualified applicants given equal opportunity”, the statement concluded.

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Following another attack on the family home of the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Kogi State Police Command has arrested one suspect.The suspect, identified as Jose Suberu, was reportedly apprehended at the scene of the attack in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, on Tuesday.

Confirming the development to newsmen on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya said the suspect had confessed to being part of the attack. “Yes it’s true and one suspect, Joe Suberu was arrested at the scene. Efforts are on to arrest the fleeing others,” Aya said.The Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Media Office had revealed that the armed men again attacked the family home of the Senator and vandalised several windows.In a statement issued on Wednesday from the media office of the Senator representing Kogi central senatorial district said “with the swift intervention of officers from the local police station, community vigilantes, and concerned youths, the attackers were repelled and one suspect was apprehended,”

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB) has reacted to reports claiming the bank disbursed N215 billion in Anchors Borrowers Programme interventions.According to the bank in a statement on Thursday, the correct figure, as verified by the bank’s records and which the Bank has shared during public sessions, is N51 billion—a significant discrepancy that demands public correction.

The statement further reads, “Recent media coverage erroneously inflated NMFB’s disbursement totals, potentially causing confusion among stakeholders. “For the avoidance of doubt, our verified Anchors Borrowers Programme (ABP) intervention loan disbursements stand at N51 billion, not N215 billion,” the bank stated.“We urge the public and press to disregard the inaccurate reports.” NMFB emphasized the importance of fact-checking in financial reporting, calling on journalists to confirm figures with the bank before publication. The notice also addressed recurring confusion between *NIRSAL Microfinance Bank* and *NIRSAL Plc.*, distinct entities with separate operations.“Media professionals must exercise due diligence to avoid misleading the public,” the bank added. The clarification aims to preserve transparency and trust in NMFB’s role in Nigeria’s financial intervention management programmes.