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)
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.
…Governor AbdulRazaq Prioritizes Sustainable Farming for Food Security and Economic Growth
The Kwara State Government has once again called on farmers to embrace climate-smart agricultural technologies to improve productivity and mitigate losses caused by unpredictable weather patterns. This charge was given by the Project Coordinator of the Kwara Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, during a workshop for Women’s Agricultural Cooperatives and Women’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on climate-smart agricultural practices. The event was held in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area as part of the government’s efforts to promote sustainable farming across the state.
Dr. Busari emphasized that many of the losses suffered by farmers today result from noncompliance with modern, climate-adaptive agricultural techniques. He stated that the government is intensifying awareness campaigns to ensure that Kwara farmers adopt sustainable farming methods to avert losses and increase food production.
He further explained that the timing of the workshop was strategic, as the planting season is fast approaching. “This initiative is a crucial part of the SAPZ program, and farmers must apply the knowledge gained here to boost their productivity,” he said.
The SAPZ Coordinator also warned against environmentally harmful practices such as bush burning, overgrazing, and deforestation, which contribute to soil degradation, reduced crop yields, and climate change-related agricultural challenges.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Mr. Femi Yusuf, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his grassroots approach to governance and dedication to farmers’ welfare. He praised the administration’s commitment to gender inclusion in agriculture, noting that such initiatives empower women to play active roles in the state’s agricultural value chain.
“The passion of this administration for inclusive and sustainable agriculture is commendable. Ifelodun Local Government is fully prepared to leverage this initiative to improve food security and economic development,” Yusuf stated.
The resource person for the workshop, Mr. Gbadebo Elebiyo, advised farmers to adapt to changing weather patterns by using drought-resistant seeds and improving livestock breeds with local varieties. He stressed that climate change is altering traditional farming cycles, making it essential for farmers to embrace new techniques that ensure resilience and profitability.
The workshop drew participation from key agricultural stakeholders, including Hon. Abdulganiyu Folabi Salahu, a member representing Omupo Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, representatives of the Nigerian Association of Women in Agriculture (NAWIA), Mekunu Peoples Forum, and other agricultural groups.
With this initiative, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration continues to champion innovative agricultural solutions to boost food security, increase farmers’ earnings, and sustain Kwara’s agricultural economy. The SAPZ program remains a key pillar of this strategy, equipping farmers with the necessary tools to adapt to climate change and maximize productivity.
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.
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.
…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.
…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.
… …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.
… Government Introduces Organic Vegetables, Staple Crops, and Subsidized Kwara Rice
The Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has announced the expansion of the Thursday Market, offering residents a wider variety of organic vegetables and essential food staples in addition to the already available fresh fish. This initiative is part of the state government’s continued efforts to enhance food security, promote sustainable agriculture, and support local farmers.
According to the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, Kwarans can now purchase Ewedu (Jute leaves), Soko (Lagos Spinach), Tete (African Spinach), and other leafy greens, all cultivated using organic farming methods at the Ministry of Agriculture. The vegetables are grown using water and waste from the Ministry’s Fish Hatchery, ensuring a natural and chemical-free production process.
“Green, healthy, and organic Ewedu and Efo will now be available at our Thursday Fish Market,” said Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas. “It is also noteworthy that our vegetable farm has produced a high yield even at the peak of the dry season, reinforcing our advocacy for year-round planting as a cost-effective and sustainable practice.”
Beyond vegetables, the Thursday Market now provides essential food staples, including yam, beans, maize, and sorghum. These staple crops were given back to the state government by farmers who had benefited from Kwara’s agricultural input and empowerment programs—a testament to the success of the government’s continued support for local farmers.
Additionally, “Made in Kwara” rice is now available at the market at a subsidized rate, making it more affordable than prevailing market prices. This aligns with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to food affordability and agricultural sustainability.
With this expansion, the Thursday Market continues to evolve into a hub for fresh, locally grown, and organic produce, reinforcing Kwara’s position as a leader in sustainable agriculture. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this initiative by purchasing fresh fish, organic vegetables, staple crops, and premium-quality Kwara rice at competitive prices.
The recent visit to Kwara State by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu to commission some landmark projects executed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq has ended criticisms by the opposition parties that no project had been commissioned by his administration.
One of the criticisms against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq by the opposition parties in Kwara State was the non-commissioning of “any project” since his assumption of office. But the negative impression was confined to the dustbin of history when the wife of President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, visited the 58 years old state on the invitation of the governor between January 28 and 30, 2025, and commissioned about 10 major projects built by the administration. The list was not exhausted as other projects are ongoing with the expansive 10-storey building of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Services (KWIRS) becoming a reference point.
The monumental projects, named after some iconic Nigerian personalities, mostly of Kwaran descent, dwarfed the initial criticisms by some Kwarans. However, the critics, rather than acknowledge the governor’s efforts, held the position that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rather than his wife should have paid the working visit to the state “if there was no love lost between the governor and the president.”
The kennel of the commissioning was the opening of two overhead bridges – one at the Tanke end of the state capital to decongest the route to the University of Ilorin and the other at Unity Roundabout .
On the entourage of the First Lady were the wives of the Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief of Staff to the President and the wives of some state governors.
Senator Tinubu’s first point of call was the Kwara State University of Education, where she inaugurated the ICT Community Centre built under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Intensive Care Unit, and Dr. Amuda Aluko Ward, among others.
She then paid homage to the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari at his palace. The Emir applauded her for her unflinching support to her husband’s government. He led a prayer session for the success of the administration. The visitor thanked the Emir for his encouragement to both the President and the state governor, appealing for more of such in future.
Thereafter, she inaugurated the newly constructed Unity Flyover, which Governor Abdulrazaq named after the emir, an honour anchored on his support for the administration, his peaceful reign, his fatherly role in the emirate and beyond, and his support for the socio-economic development of Ilorin.
Along with the ICT Centre built under the RHI at the Kwara State University of Education, Tinubu also inaugurated the ultramodern Intensive Care Unit, Executive Ward, and Gen. Tunde Idiagbon Flyover.
She also inaugurated other iconic projects of the governor such as the Innovation Hub; Visual Arts Centre; and the Garment Factory – all reputed to be the best of their kinds in the country and African sub-region.
Speaking at the inauguration of the ICT Centre, Mrs. Tinubu commended the governor and his wife for building it, expressing belief that youths and women would benefit from it.
She said: “I have been informed that these centres have greatly benefited our youths, especially women and girls, by providing invaluable opportunities for growth and empowerment. I am glad to hear about the success stories and the opportunities these centres afford members of these various communities that have benefitted from this intervention.
“The knowledge of ICT serves as a significant tool to empower communities, especially women, to break traditional barriers and access new opportunities by equipping themselves with ICT skills.
“So far, NITDA has constructed four Community ICT Centres in total. This centre we are commissioning today is the second, while Benue and Oyo centres are ready to be commissioned soon.
“Other Digital Economy Centres have also been fully equipped with computers and other ICT materials in five states, namely Jigawa, Ebonyi, Cross River, Oyo, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Ten additional Digital Economy Centres in Abia, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Nasarawa, Yobe, and Zamfara are also being fully equipped with ICT materials and will be ready for commissioning soon.”
In her remarks, Mrs. AbdulRazaq said the new edifice would speak to the many engagements and partnerships of the First Lady to adequately support Nigerians while pursuing their goals and seeking to improve their means of livelihood.
She, therefore, enjoined the host school and users alike to protect the facility and take full advantage of its services towards developing themselves and promoting positive causes.
“While this milestone will continue to up the status of women, youths and other users of the facility, it is also creating pathways into making Nigeria a digitally empowered nation as well as fostering a technology enabled equitable future for all Nigerians,” she said.
On his part, the governor appreciated President Tinubu and the First Lady for what he called “an impactful initiative.”
He said the ICT project would not just be an investment in infrastructure but also a powerful statement about the essential role of technology in man’s survival and progress in the digital era.
He added: “Technology is here to stay, and the only path forward is to aggressively invest in the skills and infrastructure that will secure a prosperous future for our people.
“As we commission this ICT Community Centre today, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to Her Excellency and the Renewed Hope Initiative for this remarkable investment in our community and youth.”
Besides, AbdulRazaq commended the unwavering support of the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, towards realising the set objectives.
At the Innovation Hub, a facility that is designed to be Kwara’s version of the Silicon Valley to raise generations of techies and build skills that resolve local developmental challenges, Tinubu said: “I am so, so glad with what I have seen. This is truly amazing, and I am going back to tell the President what I have seen. You (governor) are a man truly in love with your people. You have really done so well.
“What I have seen here is borne out of a clear dream about where the governor wants his people to be. This dream is coming alive. We can stay here forever. You have enough projects to showcase, and I am indeed very proud of you.”
Tinubu ended her three-day visit to Kwara with a tour of the Garment Factory, another signature project of the governor.
She interacted with workers of the factory, telling them to make the most of the foresight of the governor by working hard.
“What your governor has done is to create opportunities for enterprise and productive engagement of youths and women. I want you to work hard and become successful. I’m here purposely to encourage you to make this a huge success for yourself and for your state,” she said in Yoruba language.
She later gave the hundreds of workers a stipend of N20,000 each.
The state Chairman of the PDP, Babatunde Mohammed, described the naming of some of the edifices after the personalities as good but faulted the governor for acting as if he was the one that built all of them from the scratch, particularly the stadium.
“Credit must go to Innih and such ex-governor Bukola Saraki who carried out major renovations on the edifices and turned them all to modern event centres,” he said.
Besides, he criticised the leaving out of the doyens of Kwaran politics like the late Olusola Saraki, Chief Sunday Olawoyin, and Chief Cornelius Adebayo from the list of those that the projects were named after.
However, the APC chairman in the state, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, said Mohammed was putting up “destructive criticisms against what they could not do when in power for 16 years but which we have successfully done under a period of six years. We still have many other projects under construction. In fact, many of them are nearing completion as we speak. Many deserving Kwarans will still benefit from the naming processes.”
However, a chieftain of the APC in the state, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, has criticised the governor for allegedly concentrating projects in the metropolis instead of spreading them across all the senatorial districts in the state.
Oyedepo said: “The visit of the First Lady to Kwara should now be an eye opener to her to observe what some of us had been saying for some years. Our major concern is that projects are being over concentrated in the state capital. We have three senatorial districts in Kwara so how do we develop other districts if this is the way we always want to follow? So certainly, some people are being neglected.”
Another chieftain of the party, Chief Wole Oke, supported some of the views expressed by Oyedepo, describing them as those of the majority of the party members in the state.
He advised the governor to use his remaining years in office to spread development to other areas of the state.
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.
