In a landmark decision that brings relief to thousands of dedicated educators, President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 3,252 verified Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) teachers into the federal public service—ending nearly 25 years of uncertainty for many who have served without permanent employment.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced the approval on Thursday, calling it a “major milestone” in the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen the nation’s education sector and expand its teaching workforce.
The recruitment targets experienced PTA teachers who have sustained instruction in Federal Unity Colleges and Federal Technical Colleges for decades, often under challenging conditions and without job security.
Comprehensive Verification Exercise
Alausa explained that the recruitment followed a thorough verification process conducted by an Inter-Ministerial Committee, which identified 3,252 eligible teachers across various cadres, including Education Officers, Assistant Education Officers, and Technical Instructors.
According to the minister, the teachers will be formally absorbed into the federal public service after completing all statutory requirements, with priority given to those who have served the longest.
“This is a President who cares deeply for Nigeria and for the future of our country,” Alausa stated. “This approval provides them with the opportunity to become part of the mainstream public service.”
Boosting Education Quality
The minister emphasized that the recruitment would significantly improve the teacher-student ratio in Federal Unity Colleges while retaining experienced educators whose institutional knowledge is invaluable.
“Integrating these experienced teachers into the federal workforce will preserve institutional knowledge, strengthen classroom instruction, and improve learning outcomes across the colleges,” Alausa noted.
He added that the approval aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to repositioning Federal Unity Colleges as centres of academic excellence through sustained investment in qualified teachers.
Next Steps and Commitment
The Federal Ministry of Education is already working with relevant government agencies to complete the remaining statutory procedures required for the issuance of appointment letters, in line with public service regulations.
Alausa reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency and due process, assuring all verified PTA teachers that the regularisation exercise would be concluded fairly and diligently.
“We will continue to implement reforms aimed at strengthening the teaching profession, improving learning outcomes, and ensuring that every student in our Federal Unity Colleges is taught by qualified, motivated, and professionally supported teachers,” he concluded.
