The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has justified government’s decision to hire 7,000 teachers, pushing back against concerns that the number is inadequate to meet the country’s growing education demands. He explained that limited fiscal space has constrained the scale of recruitment, even as schools across the country continue to face staffing shortages.
Speaking at the launch and media briefing of the 19th edition of the eLearning Africa Conference on Tuesday, April 14, the Minister acknowledged the gap but stressed that government had to operate within its financial capacity. He noted that ideally, the country would require as many as 50,000 additional teachers, but current budget limitations made that target unattainable.
He added that approval was secured from the Ministry of Finance to recruit the 7,000 teachers, comprising both degree and diploma holders, through a process he described as open and competitive.
Despite criticism, Mr. Iddrisu insisted the recruitment exercise adhered strictly to due process, ensuring transparency and equal opportunity for all qualified applicants.
He further revealed that government is preparing to introduce a comprehensive digital education policy aimed at addressing structural challenges in the sector and enhancing teaching and learning outcomes nationwide.
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