Osun deploys 1,750 Imole teachers to tackle school staffing gaps

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Osun State Government has deployed 1,750 members of the Imole Youth Corps to public primary and secondary schools across the state as part of efforts to address the shortage of teaching personnel.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, who announced the deployment, also appealed for increased posting of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to schools in Osun to further strengthen the education sector.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the initiative was described as a strategic intervention to bridge the manpower gap in critical subject areas, pending the full implementation of the state’s mass teacher recruitment programme.

The statement explained that the deployed Imole Youth Corps members hold Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and university degree qualifications, and are already rendering teaching services in schools across the state.

A breakdown of the deployment shows that beneficiaries were posted to all 30 local government areas and the Modakeke Area Office. Notable allocations include Oriade (106), Iwo (87), Ejigbo (87), Osogbo (80), Odo Otin (77), and Ede North (74).

Governor Adeleke reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning the education sector through creative and sustainable policies. He expressed optimism that Osun’s standing in national examinations would improve from its current seventh position to a top-three ranking.

He further assured that the state would embark on mass teacher recruitment once the fiscal environment becomes more favourable, while ongoing capacity-building efforts would continue for existing teaching personnel.

“We are determined to strengthen our school system despite financial limitations. The Imole Teachers Corps is an innovative step to fill existing gaps, and we will continue to support our teachers with training and welfare incentives,” the governor stated.