Ondo Head of Service dismisses allegations of crisis in TESCOM

The Ondo State Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, has dismissed claims of a leadership crisis in the state’s Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), insisting that the commission is functioning effectively.

In a statement signed by the Director of Information, Office of the Head of Service, Sina Adeyeye, and made available to The Western Post, Philip responded to an online publication credited to one Comrade Olabode Akinwale, which alleged a “quagmire in TESCOM.”

According to the statement, the public service rarely comments on unverified social media reports, but the clarification became necessary to prevent misinformation.

Philip explained that the TESCOM law provides for the position of Secretary, not specifically Permanent Secretary, as the accounting officer of the commission. He added that if a Permanent Secretary is posted there for administrative convenience, they will function in the capacity of Secretary.

He stressed that TESCOM is running smoothly under the current Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Bayo Philip, who conducted the recently concluded teachers’ recruitment exercise approved by the governor without any scandal.

The statement noted that the commission has also restored decorum in the appointment of principals, with decisions now based on seniority and competence, ending the alleged era of “cash and carry” appointments and postings.

Philip criticised the writer of the report for failing to raise any objective concerns about inefficiency, instead resorting to what he described as a mischievous outburst on social media.

“Their pain is understood,” the statement concluded, maintaining that TESCOM remains focused on its mandate of ensuring quality administration in the state’s education sector.