Kwara Rising

Category: Education

  • Kwara TESCOM Invites 180 Applicants for Makeup Interview as Teachers’ Recruitment Nears Final Stage

    Kwara TESCOM Invites 180 Applicants for Makeup Interview as Teachers’ Recruitment Nears Final Stage

    … Supplementary Screening Scheduled to Address Subject and Local Government Gaps

    The Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has invited 180 additional applicants who participated in its computer-based test (CBT) for a makeup interview as part of the final stage of its teacher recruitment exercise. The makeup interview is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26, at the TESCOM headquarters in Ilorin.

    According to the TESCOM Chairman, the makeup exercise was initiated to address gaps in certain subject areas and across 15 local government areas, excluding Ilorin West. The affected subjects include Chemistry, English Language, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, Christian Studies, History, Physics, Geography, French, Yoruba, and Commerce.

    “This is a makeup exercise which affects all but Ilorin West Local Government Area. Our analysis shows that some local governments have shortfalls in a few subject areas, and we need to screen some of the applicants who meet the basic requirements from the CBT to take up their slots. It is basically about marrying merit, equity, and realities for the overall benefit of the state,” the chairman stated.

    He explained that the invited candidates were selected under special considerations to fill vacant slots in their respective local government areas without compromising due process and competence. Some of the invitees had scored between 45 and 59 in the CBT, below the initial cutoff mark of 60, while others scored 60 and above but were either above 35 years of age or held third-class degrees in relevant subjects. The initial criteria had prioritized first and second-class degree holders.

    The 180 invitees are spread across different local government areas, with some of the highest numbers coming from Kaiama, Ekiti, Baruten, and Oke Ero, while Asa, Ifelodun, and Ilorin East have fewer invitees. Ilorin West remains unaffected by the exercise. TESCOM emphasized that the process remains committed to transparency and fairness, ensuring that all eligible candidates are given the opportunity to contribute to the state’s education sector.

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Inspects Prototype Multistorey School in Ilorin

    Governor AbdulRazaq Inspects Prototype Multistorey School in Ilorin

    …Reaffirms commitment to public education, digital literacy, and infrastructure development

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has inspected the newly constructed multistorey prototype primary school in Adeta, Ilorin, describing it as a major step in upgrading public school infrastructure alongside investments in quality teaching.

    Speaking during the inspection over the weekend, the governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to bridging gaps in school infrastructure and digital literacy through initiatives like KwaraLEARN, which integrates technology into classrooms to enhance learning outcomes.

    He noted that the state’s investment in public education has led to a surge in enrollment, as more parents transfer their children from private schools to government institutions due to improved teaching standards.

    Governor AbdulRazaq described the Adeta school as a model for future learning environments, stating that his administration remains dedicated to strengthening the education sector to ensure every child has access to quality learning opportunities.

  • Kwara Governor Launches Multimillion-Naira Educational Materials, Sports Kits to Boost Basic Education

    Kwara Governor Launches Multimillion-Naira Educational Materials, Sports Kits to Boost Basic Education

    …73,365 Textbooks, 3,931 Sports Equipment Distributed to Tackle Out-of-School Crisis, Ease Parental Burden

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday flagged off the distribution of instructional materials and sports kits worth millions of naira to primary and junior secondary schools across Kwara State, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to eradicate the out-of-school children menace and elevate educational standards.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, the Governor underscored the intervention as part of broader efforts to lessen the financial burden on parents amid rising costs and to ensure equitable access to quality education.

    Key Items Distributed:

    73,365 textbooks (English, Mathematics, Computer Studies, etc.)

    12,780 assorted primary school libraries

    100 special education materials

    260 sets of Early Childhood Care (ECCDE) furniture

    3,931 sports equipment

    344 agricultural toolkits

    78 Maga Tab X tablets

    “This initiative aligns with our vision to bridge educational gaps and prioritize basic education,” the Governor stated. He highlighted ongoing reforms, including teacher recruitment, timely promotions, and infrastructure upgrades, as critical to transforming the sector.

    Kwara House Committee on Education Chairman, Hon. Muhammed Boriya Salihu, hailed the event as “historic,” noting that the state has moved beyond past neglect in education. “These interventions are filling critical gaps and setting a new trajectory for development,” he said.

    Prof. Sheu Raheem Adaramaja, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), emphasized the materials’ role in fostering holistic child development. “These resources will elevate academic and sports standards, empowering pupils to become future leaders,” he said.

    The event drew top government officials, including Senior Adviser Alhaji Saadu Salau; Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Aliyu Kora Sabi; Permanent Secretary for Education Mrs. Bake Olarewaju; and APC Chieftain Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin. Also present were representatives from UBEC, sports bodies, traditional institutions, and school administrators.

  • Kwara TESCOM Nears Recruitment Finish Line, Extends Gratitude to 4,163 Interviewees

    …State Commission: Merit, Equity, and Local Needs Guide Final Selection

    According to a release by the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), the agency has entered the final phase of its teacher recruitment drive, commending applicants for their participation in a process reflecting public confidence in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration.

    Per the statement, 4,163 candidates were screened and interviewed out of 5,290 initially invited, with 2,169 females and 1,994 males participating. The commission noted that 54.1% (2,252) of interviewees applied for STEM-related subjects, highlighting efforts to address critical educational gaps.

    TESCOM Chairman Mallam Bello Taoheed, according to the release, confirmed the commission will finalize 1,800 hires, prioritizing merit, equity, and local government needs. “We wish we could employ everyone who excelled, but vacancies are limited,” he stated. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted after internal reviews and must undergo mandatory drug tests by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    The chairman emphasized transparency in the process, which included computer-based tests and interviews, attributing the gap between invited and interviewed applicants to absences or unmet criteria.

  • 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.