By Samson Obande, Lafia.

The Nasarawa State Government has approved the recruitment of 1,000 additional teachers for rural schools under the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, as part of efforts to address manpower gaps in basic education.

The announcement was made on Monday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Comr. Peter Ahemba, during a bi-monthly press briefing at the NUJ Press Centre, Lafia.

Ahemba said a consulting firm was engaged to conduct the recruitment process, which attracted over 10,000 applicants, with 8,000 participating in the examination.

He, however, said only 600 candidates passed the screening, a performance the government described as “below expectations.”

“The Board is reviewing the outcome and will ensure that only qualified teachers are engaged. Government will not give room for sharp practices in the SUBEB recruitment process,” he stated.

He added that, after the review process, the 1,000 successful rural teachers will be posted to schools in underserved communities.

The SSA also disclosed that the state has approved the construction of a three-storey block of classrooms in each of the three Senatorial Zones.

In addition, the Federal Government will establish a model school in each zone to support the educational development of the state.

To protect school facilities, Ahemba said the government will no longer tolerate football and other sporting activities within school premises to prevent damage to school facilities by outsiders. Instead, he noted that sports development will be driven through the planned construction of mini-stadiums in five local government areas of Toto, Keffi, Akwanga, Wamba, and Doma.

He further said the state has paid its counterpart funds in partnership with the Federal Government for the construction of “massive schools” across Nasarawa to boost basic education.

Providing updates on ongoing infrastructure development across the state, Ahemba said work on the twin flyover in Karu is progressing steadily, in line with contract specifications and timelines, while the Keffi flyover has reached an advanced stage.

Ahemba lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for commissioning the dualization of the Akwanga Township Road and an underpass, flagging off the Akwanga–Jos Superhighway, and commissioning the largest lithium processing factory in West Africa at Endo Community in Nasarawa LGA.

“The state government appreciates the Federal Government for supporting the execution of such humongous projects in Nasarawa State. We thank Mr. President for his presence through delegation,” Ahemba said.

He concluded by calling for continued support and partnership from media practitioners in reporting government activities.