Teachers Recruitment: Bayelsa Releases Shortlist Update, Confirms Payment of Salary Arrears
If you’re one of the many applicants waiting to be recruited as a teacher in Bayelsa State, here’s some news you’ll want to hear: the government says it’s almost ready to release the list of successful candidates.
This assurance came straight from the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, during a meeting on Monday with some frustrated applicants who paid a visit to the Government House in Yenagoa.
According to Senator Ewhrudjakpo, only candidates who passed the proper screening and verification process will make the final cut. He also promised that the state will pay the salary arrears of those who were already teaching in state secondary schools before the recruitment was put on hold.
A statement from his media aide, Mr. Doubara Atasi, confirmed that the Deputy Governor is urging applicants to stay calm and patient, even though he understands their frustration.
“The wheel of government moves slowly, but it does move,” he said. “We know how you feel, but we’re cleaning up the process to ensure only the right people are employed.”
Why the Delay?
The Deputy Governor explained that the recruitment had to be reviewed after a needs assessment of schools across the state revealed some serious issues. These included:
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Over-aged candidates being shortlisted,
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Applicants lacking the right qualifications,
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Overstaffing in some areas, while others remained short of teachers.
He shared a shocking example:
“Someone applied to teach computer science and didn’t even know what a keyboard or CPU looks like!”
Originally, the state had determined that 997 teachers were needed across all eight LGAs. But poor coordination in the initial process led to staffing imbalances and unqualified hires.
Panel Has Concluded – Awaiting Governor’s Approval
The good news? The investigative panel has now wrapped up its work. As soon as the Governor returns to the state, the final list will be approved and released.
“Once we get the Governor’s go-ahead, everyone who truly deserves it will be employed,” Senator Ewhrudjakpo added.
Warning: Provisional Letters Aren’t a Free Pass
The Deputy Governor also clarified that any provisional employment letters issued previously don’t guarantee a permanent spot.
“Those letters only mean you’re on probation,” he explained. “Yes, you may be competent, but your character and attitude also matter.”
On the Proposed Protest
He acknowledged the applicants’ right to protest peacefully, but warned them to avoid actions that might infringe on the rights of others.
“Protest is your right. But please do it in a way that doesn’t disrupt peace or violate the rights of others,” he said.
Despite everything, he praised the applicants for their dedication, especially those who’ve been teaching without pay or certainty about their status.
“We see your efforts. Those of you who worked for six, three, or even two months before the suspension — your salaries will be paid. That’s a promise,” he assured.
Applicants Still Hopeful
Earlier, Mr. Teki Ayebaene, who led the delegation of applicants, explained that their planned protest was only meant to draw attention to their long-standing frustrations. According to him, about 800 affected teachers are already working in over 400 state-owned secondary schools.
He called on the government to stop dragging its feet and expedite the process for full employment of all qualified individuals.
If you’re among those waiting for this shortlist, just hang in there; it looks like the long wait might finally be coming to an end.
