By Engr. Ridwan Elemosho
The recent announcement by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to recruit teachers on behalf of local governments is a stark reminder of the Kwara State Government’s penchant for centralization and disregard for democratic principles. This move is a clear attempt to usurp the powers of local governments and undermine their autonomy, a trend that has become all too familiar under the current administration.
The timing of this announcement is particularly suspicious, coming as it does on the eve of local government elections. It reeks of desperation and political opportunism, a last-ditch effort to sway voters and buy influence. The state government’s attempt to impose its will on local governments is a blatant disregard for the democratic process and the will of the people.
Local governments are best positioned to determine their specific needs and requirements for teachers, given their unique circumstances and challenges. By attempting to control teacher recruitment, the state government is not only infringing on the rights of local governments but also threatening the quality of education in our schools.
This move is a clear violation of the Local Government Reform of 2015, which aimed to decentralize power and empower local governments to take ownership of their development. The state government’s actions are a slap in the face to the federal government’s efforts to promote grassroots development and democratic governance.
We demand that the state government respects the autonomy of local governments and allows them to recruit their own teachers after the elections. Anything less is a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the people.
The people of Kwara State will not stand idly by while their rights are trampled upon. We will continue to speak out against this brazen attempt to undermine local government autonomy and demand that our leaders respect the democratic process.
