Take It Back Movement accuses Osun Govt of politicizing recruitment

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Osun State chapter of the Take It Back Movement has urged the state government to stop politicizing the recruitment of teachers, describing the delay in issuing appointment letters to shortlisted candidates as a disservice to public education.

Speaking during a press conference held in Osogbo on Tuesday ahead of the June 12 Democracy Day protest, the group’s coordinator, Victor Lijofi, demanded immediate appointments for the shortlisted candidates, noting that the shortage of personnel in public schools has become critical.

According to Lijofi, “We have a government that started the recruitment of teachers nearly a year ago, and it has remained inconclusive. We believe a serious government should not politicize recruitment. We fear they are waiting to use it as a campaign tool for the coming election. Meanwhile, our schools are in dire need of teachers.”

The group also criticized the unregulated activities of housing agents, blaming them for the hardship faced by residents.

It called on the state government to issue a clear policy statement and begin the process of enacting laws to regulate the activities of housing agents, who, they said, “have been making life difficult for the masses.”

“We are calling the attention of the state government to these critical issues because the matter of house rent is a vital welfare concern. People need shelter, food, and clothing—these are essential human needs. We want the government to come up with a law to regulate the activities of these agents,” the group said.

On education, the group demanded the immediate reversal of what it called “exorbitant fees” in public institutions, insisting that education must remain accessible to the poor if meaningful development is to be achieved.

The movement also warned security agencies against any attempt to disrupt the planned protest, citing Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.