Category: Education

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Celebrates Kwara Pupils Hamdalat, Muminat for Winning National Tax Debate

    Gov AbdulRazaq Celebrates Kwara Pupils Hamdalat, Muminat for Winning National Tax Debate

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has congratulated Hamdalat Eniola Agboola of Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin, for emerging as the champion of the recently concluded National Tax Debate held in Abuja.

    Hamdalat secured an impressive 85%, outperforming all other contestants to become the National Ambassador of the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT) for 2025.

    The Governor also praised Muminat Ayomide Abdulganiyu of Government Girls Secondary School, Oke Sunna, Ilorin, who secured fourth place in the competition with a commendable score of 78%.

    Governor AbdulRazaq applauded the students for their outstanding achievements on the national stage, reinforcing Kwara State’s reputation as a hub for talented and high-achieving individuals across various sectors.

    He also extended his appreciation to the students’ parents, their schools, and the Kwara State chapter of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) for their invaluable support and contributions to their success.

    The Governor wished champion Hamdalat and the brilliant Muminat continued excellence in their academic and professional pursuits.

  • TESCOM Adjusts Interview Schedule for Teaching Job Applicants

    TESCOM Adjusts Interview Schedule for Teaching Job Applicants

    #KwaraRising


    The Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has adjusted the timetable for the ongoing screening and interview of applicants for teaching positions in public secondary schools across the state.

    According to an updated statement by TESCOM Press Secretary, Sam Onile, the interview, which began on Tuesday with applicants from Asa, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, and Oke Ero, will now follow a revised schedule for the remaining candidates.

    Under the new arrangement, all interview sessions will now hold exclusively at the KWASU International Conference Centre, including the session previously scheduled for Friday, February 28, 2025.

    Revised Interview Schedule
    Day 2 (February 26, 2025)

    Baruten – 150
    Edu – 601
    Patigi – 281
    Kaiama – 93
    Irepodun – 372
    Isin – 225
    Total: 1,722
    Day 3 (February 27, 2025)

    Ifelodun – 413
    Moro – 232
    Offa – 308
    Ekiti – 200
    Oyun – 231
    Total: 1,384
    Day 4 (February 28, 2025)

    Ilorin West – 1,310
    Non-Kwarans – 362
    Total: 1,672
    All applicants who have been invited for the interview are expected to adhere to the revised schedule and ensure their appearance at the designated venue.

    TESCOM reiterated its commitment to a fair and transparent recruitment process, urging candidates to arrive on time and bring along the required original documents for verification.

  • 5,928 Applicants Advance as Kwara TESCOM Releases Cutoff Marks.

    5,928 Applicants Advance as Kwara TESCOM Releases Cutoff Marks.

    … Interview Schedule for Teachers’ Recruitment

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has invited 5,928 applicants for interviews and screenings as part of the ongoing recruitment of 1,800 senior school teachers. The exercise, which follows the recently concluded Computer-Based Test (CBT), will take place from Tuesday, February 25, to Saturday, March 1, 2025.

    According to a statement released by TESCOM Press Secretary, Sam Onile, applicants can check their status on the recruitment portal to confirm their eligibility for the next phase.

    Cutoff Marks and Special Considerations
    TESCOM Chairman, Mallam Bello Taoheed, announced the cutoff scores for different categories of applicants, ensuring that qualified candidates from across the state are fairly represented:

    Non-STEM subjects:

    Kwara Indigenes: 60%
    Baruten, Isin, Oke Ero, and Patigi Indigenes: 50% (to encourage more applications from these areas)
    Non-Indigenes: 70%
    STEM Subjects (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Geography):

    All Kwara Indigenes: 50% (to accommodate the demand for STEM teachers across the state)
    Special Consideration:

    All 93 applicants from Kaiama Local Government Area automatically qualify for the interview.
    All 37 Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) who sat the CBT are also invited for the interview.
    Interview Schedule and Venues
    The interviews and screenings will take place at two designated venues:

    Tuesday – Thursday: KWASU International Conference Centre, Sango, Ilorin
    Friday – Saturday: Kwara State Banquet Hall
    Day-by-day schedule for the interviews:

    Day 1 (Feb 25) – Asa (186), Ilorin East (502), Ilorin South (205), Oke Ero (193) Total: 1,086
    Day 2 (Feb 26) – Baruten (150), Edu (601), Patigi (281), Kaiama (93) Total: 1,125
    Day 3 (Feb 27) – Ifelodun (413), Irepodun (372), Isin (225) Total: 1,070
    Day 4 (Feb 28) – Moro (232), Offa (308), Ekiti (200), Oyun (231), Non-Kwarans (362) Total: 1,336
    Day 5 (March 1) – Ilorin West (1,310)
    Required Documents and Drug Testing
    Applicants must attend the interview with original copies of their credentials, including:

    NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate
    Birth Certificate or Court Affidavit (dated no earlier than June 30, 2024)
    Shortlisted candidates will also undergo a mandatory drug test at NDLEA-approved centers before their final selection.

    “This is a highly competitive process, and only 1,800 applicants will be selected to join public senior secondary schools across Kwara State,” the statement added.

    The Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration continues to prioritize quality education and merit-based recruitment, ensuring that only the most qualified and competent teachers are engaged to shape the future of Kwara’s students.

  • Kwara TESCOM Conducts CBT for 9,459 Applicants, Releases Results Ahead of Interview Stage

    Kwara TESCOM Conducts CBT for 9,459 Applicants, Releases Results Ahead of Interview Stage

    The Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has successfully conducted a computer-based test (CBT) for 9,459 applicants seeking teaching positions in public secondary schools across the state. According to a release by the Press Secretary of TESCOM, Kwara State, Sam Onile, the examination took place across six centers in Ilorin, Offa, Oko, Patigi, and Lafiagi on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

    The CBT serves as the qualifying stage for the recruitment of 1,800 teachers, with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and rural education. The hiring exercise aims to fill critical teaching gaps in secondary schools across Kwara.

    Reports indicate that applicants who selected Offa, Oko, and Patigi centers completed their exams earlier in the day, while the final batch in Lafiagi concluded their test later in the evening. Similarly, thousands of applicants at Unilorin, Kwara State College of Education (COED), and Ilorin West CBT Centers successfully wrote their exams in different batches.

    TESCOM Releases Results, Announces Next Steps

    Following the smooth conduct of the examination, TESCOM has released the CBT results, allowing applicants to check their scores on the official recruitment portal.

    TESCOM Chairman, Mallam Bello Taoheed, confirmed that 8,529 candidates completed the exam across the designated centers, while the remaining 930 applicants did not show up for the test. The breakdown of candidates per center is as follows:

    ● COED Ilorin – 2,891

    ● Ilorin West LGA – 1,991

    ● UNILORIN – 1,677

    ● Lafiagi – 812

    ● Offa – 586

    ● Oko – 297

    ● Patigi – 275

    “This is the first step after the exams. The Commission will soon release the cutoff marks, which will determine the candidates proceeding to the interview and screening stage,” Taoheed stated.

    He assured applicants that TESCOM would soon communicate further details regarding the next phase of the recruitment exercise, including interview schedules and additional selection criteria.

    With the completion of the CBT phase, the Kwara State Government remains committed to a transparent and merit-based recruitment process, ensuring that qualified teachers are selected to enhance the state’s public education system.

  • Ilorin Innovation Hub Set to Launch Transformative Programs for Tech and Entrepreneurship

    Ilorin Innovation Hub Set to Launch Transformative Programs for Tech and Entrepreneurship

    …As Governor AbdulRazaq relentless march on Innovation and Digital Growth in Kwara continues

    The Ilorin Innovation Hub is set to officially commence its programs, marking a significant milestone in Kwara State’s drive to foster technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The highly anticipated launch event will take place on:

    📅 Date: Thursday, 27th February 2025
    ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM
    📍 Venue: Ilorin Innovation Hub, Ahmadu Bello Way, GRA, Ilorin

    The event will unveil a series of transformative programs aimed at supporting startups, digital entrepreneurs, and tech-driven enterprises. It is expected to attract key stakeholders, industry professionals, policymakers, and members of the innovation ecosystem, further positioning Kwara as an emerging tech hub in Nigeria.

    The Ilorin Innovation Hub, a flagship initiative under the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration, is designed to serve as a catalyst for technological advancement, job creation, and digital empowerment in the state. By providing access to mentorship, training, funding opportunities, and cutting-edge resources, the hub is set to nurture the next generation of innovators and business leaders.

    As part of the preparations, attendees are encouraged to confirm their attendance by registering at https://forms.gle/YDUtZhTAZnm6auV5A

    With this launch, Kwara continues its journey toward becoming a center for digital innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to economic diversification and technological progress.

  • Kwara Govt Targets 28,000 Girls for Digital Skills Training

    Kwara Govt Targets 28,000 Girls for Digital Skills Training

    … Stakeholders laud Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration stance on digital skill education.

    The Kwara State Government has launched a digital literacy training program aimed at equipping over 28,000 adolescent girls in 70 public secondary schools across the state’s three senatorial districts.

    The initiative, organized by the Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development in collaboration with the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, is tagged “Digital Literacy Skills Programme for Educators and Secondary School Girls.”

    Declaring the 5-day workshop open at Bovina View Hotels, the State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, emphasized the project’s significance as part of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to improving education. Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Rebecca Bake Olanrewaju, the Commissioner highlighted that AGILE aims to enhance secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls, particularly those facing educational disadvantages.

    “The AGILE Project is designed to construct and renovate school structures, provide Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, and supply essential learning materials,” she said.

    She further explained that the initiative includes Life Skills and Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) sub-components, which provide female students with training on health, reproductive and emotional development, as well as financial support for disadvantaged learners to help them complete secondary education.

    “Digital skills will make our students more relevant in society. This will not only keep them up to date with global trends but also create employment opportunities after their secondary education,” Modibbo Kawu added.

    The Project Coordinator of Kwara AGILE, Mr. Adeshina Salami, praised Governor AbdulRazaq for bringing the project to the state, calling it “a great opportunity to equip adolescent girls with relevant digital skills to compete in the labor market.” He noted that the initiative, supported by the World Bank, is part of the Federal Ministry of Education’s broader efforts to improve secondary education for girls.

    “Adolescent girls often face socio-cultural and financial challenges that prevent them from completing their education. This program aims to make education more appealing and equip them with 21st-century skills to compete with their peers globally,” Salami stated.

    In his remarks, the Team Lead of TedPrime Hub, the project’s implementing partner, Mr. Olamilekan Adeeko, revealed that 70 teachers are being trained, who will then retrain an additional 210 teachers. Together, they will train 8,000 girls, with a long-term goal of reaching 28,000 students.

    “What these students learn will contribute to improving the economic standards of Kwara State, Nigeria, and the African continent. Our objective is to prepare them for future jobs and enable them to compete globally,” Adeeko said.

    World Bank Consultant on Digital Literacy Skills, Ms. Ese Adeluyi, presented a paper on “Shifting Perspectives: Making Digital Skills Training Engaging and Relatable,” stressing the vital role of teachers in student learning. Similarly, Microsoft Africa’s Education Industry Director, Ms. Angela Nganga, discussed “Microsoft’s Commitment and the Future of Work/Potential Opportunities for Gender Inclusion,” encouraging girls to aspire for success in technology-driven careers.

    In their goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Mary Kemi Adeosun, and the Executive Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Mallam Bello Tauheed, represented by Prince Kunle Yusuf, commended the government for prioritizing digital education for young girls in the state.

  • Transforming Education: Kwara State’s New Vision for Primary Schools

    Transforming Education: Kwara State’s New Vision for Primary Schools

    …Governor AbdulRazaq’s Bold Steps in Educational Advancement

    The Kwara State Government has unveiled a groundbreaking prototype for future public primary school buildings, marking a significant step in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s mission to revolutionize the education sector. As Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON continues to prioritize education through strategic leadership, recruitment of qualified educators, prompt salary payments, and substantial investment in infrastructure.

    A testament to his unwavering dedication is the construction of a three-storey modern primary school at Adeta in Ilorin West Local Government Area. Designed in line with the new prototype, this facility will provide an enhanced learning environment and improved amenities to benefit young learners across the state.

    The state-of-the-art school will feature:

    Administrative Facilities:

    Headmaster’s Office

    Deputy Headmaster’s Office

    Large Administrative Office

    General Office

    Sickbay

    Classrooms and Learning Spaces:

    15 Classrooms for Pre-Primary Pupils

    15 Classrooms for Lower Primary (Grades 1-3)

    15 Classrooms for Upper Primary (Grades 4-6)

    2 Science Laboratories

    2 Large Art Rooms

    2 Spacious Staff Rooms

    Library

    2 ICT Laboratories

    Additional Facilities:

    Expansive Outdoor Play Area

    Adequate Toilets

    Upon completion, these modern educational structures will rank among the best in Northern Nigeria, significantly enhancing the standard of public primary education in Kwara State.

    Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has already rehabilitated and constructed thousands of public schools, reaffirming his commitment to sustainable educational development. His significant investments have yielded remarkable results, as Kwara students continue to excel in national and international competitions, including the prestigious annual presidential debate.

    With Governor AbdulRazaq’s continued dedication, the future of education in Kwara State remains bright, ensuring that every child has access to quality learning environments and opportunities for academic excellence.

  • Kwara Government Inspects Prototype Primary School Construction in Ilorin

    Kwara Government Inspects Prototype Primary School Construction in Ilorin

    … …Governor AbdulRazaq Prioritizes Education Infrastructure for Quality Learning

    The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalizing the education sector with the inspection of the ongoing construction of a prototype primary school in Adeta, Ilorin West Local Government Area. The state-of-the-art facility, designed to provide a conducive learning environment, is set to become a model for primary education in Kwara.

    The three-storey building will feature modern learning conveniences, including a cooling system, fully equipped classrooms, water and electricity reticulation, alternative power sources such as generating sets and solar energy, digital boards, an e-library, and a well-structured playing ground to support both academic and extracurricular activities.

    During the inspection, Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, emphasized the state government’s insistence on quality work and warned against any substandard execution of the project. He urged the contractor to adhere strictly to the agreed project timeline, ensuring that the facility is completed on schedule for the benefit of the people.

    Dr. Ogunsola assured the contractor of the state government’s willingness to provide necessary support to ensure the smooth execution of the project. He also pledged regular inspections to guarantee that the construction meets the high standards expected by the government.

    Accompanying the Commissioner on the inspection were Director of Building Services, Architect Bilyaminu Lawal; Director of Public Buildings and Works, Builder Femi Ibiyinka; and other officials from the ministry.

    The prototype school project is part of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration’s broader vision to enhance basic education infrastructure and provide young learners with the best possible learning environment, aligning with global best practices in primary education.

  • Kwara TESCOM Shortlists 9,459 Applicants for CBT as Recruitment Enters Second Phase

    Kwara TESCOM Shortlists 9,459 Applicants for CBT as Recruitment Enters Second Phase

    The Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has invited 9,459 applicants to participate in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) as part of the ongoing teachers’ recruitment process. The examination is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

    In an official statement released on Monday, February 17, TESCOM Chairman Mallam Bello Taoheed announced that the shortlisted candidates have successfully met the eligibility criteria, including possessing the relevant university degrees and meeting the required age limit.

    “A total of 9,459 applicants are being invited. These candidates successfully completed the application process and possess qualifications such as B.Ed., B.Sc. Ed., B.A. Ed., or a Bachelor’s degree in relevant subjects with education qualifications,” the statement read.

    Mallam Taoheed explained that 26,349 applicants initiated the process, but not all completed it due to system filters that disqualified those who were above the age limit or lacked the required degrees. Of the 11,617 candidates who completed the application process, only 9,459 met all the criteria and were shortlisted for the CBT.

    According to TESCOM, 8,319 (87.95%) of the shortlisted candidates are indigenes of Kwara State, while the remaining 1,140 (12.05%) are non-indigenes. Additionally, 45.80% (4,332) of the shortlisted applicants applied to teach Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

    The statement also provided a gender breakdown of the candidates, revealing that 4,709 (49.78%) are male, while 4,750 (50.22%) are female. Furthermore, 40 applicants are persons living with disabilities (PLWD), with 31 of them being Kwarans. Special accommodations will be provided for them at the test centers.

    The CBT will be conducted at various centers across the state, including:

    Thomas Adewunmi University, Oko

    Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa

    Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin

    University of Ilorin

    Ilorin West LGA Library/CBT Centre, Agbo-Oba

    Lafiagi Emirate Information and Technology Hub, Emir’s Road, Lafiagi

    Tsoede CBT Centre, along Patigi-Ilorin Road, Patigi

    Applicants are required to visit the designated portal to select their preferred test center. Once assigned a venue and time slot, candidates must print their examination slips from the portal and bring them to the test centers on the day of the exam.

    “The exam will commence at 8:30 a.m., and applicants are advised to arrive at their designated centers at least one hour before their scheduled test time,” the statement added.

    TESCOM also urged candidates to conduct themselves appropriately throughout the examination process, as their behavior will be considered part of the overall assessment for the public sector job.

  • Kwara State to Recruit More Staff for Public Schools

    Kwara State to Recruit More Staff for Public Schools

    … Governor gets commendation for continued support 

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the recruitment of more staff to improve the quality of education and enhance security in public schools across the state. The Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) announced that the recruitment will focus on senior secondary schools, particularly in rural areas where there is a shortage of teachers.

    TESCOM Chairman, Mallam Bello Tauheed Abubakar, stated that all applications must be submitted online, and only candidates who meet the required qualifications will be considered. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a Bachelor of Science or Arts degree with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, or a National Certificate in Education. Those who do not meet these requirements will not be invited for the test.

    To ensure fairness and transparency, applicants must provide proof of their local government of origin and residence at different stages of the process. The recruitment process will include a Computer-Based Test, after which shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews and peer teaching (practicum) at designated centers. The cutoff mark for the test will be determined after its completion.

    In line with the state government’s commitment to combating drug abuse, all shortlisted applicants will undergo a mandatory drug test. This measure is aimed at ensuring that only individuals who meet high ethical and professional standards are employed in the education sector. The government has also set a maximum age limit of 35 years as of January 31, 2025, for applicants. Candidates whose behavior does not align with the expectations of a teacher and mentor will be disqualified at any stage of the process.

    TESCOM has commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continuous investment in education and his commitment to strengthening the public school system. The commission emphasized that this recruitment is another step toward improving learning outcomes and addressing the human resource gap in schools.

    The application portal will be open from February 5 to February 14, 2025, at www.tescom.kwarastate.gov