The Adamawa State Government has commenced a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the recruitment of 5,000 post-primary school teachers across the state, marking a major step in its drive to strengthen the education workforce and promote merit-based employment.

The exercise, supervised by the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, is being conducted in phases across the three senatorial zones, beginning with the Central Zone. The first phase took place at Ramat Government College, Yola, where hundreds of applicants sat for the test.

Garba Pella, commissioner for Education, who inspected one of the examination centres, expressed satisfaction with the process, describing it as transparent and credible. He said the state government was determined to institutionalise merit and accountability in public sector recruitment.

“This is the first time in the history of Adamawa State that job applicants are required to apply, write an examination, undergo interviews, and pass-through screening before employment,” Pella said. “Gone are the days when employment letters were issued based on personal connections. This process is purely merit-driven.”

He noted that the government engaged independent consultants to manage the process, underscoring its commitment to eliminating nepotism and ensuring fairness.

According to Nuhu Abdulahi, a software developer from Satlink Consultant Services, the firm managing the CBT platform, over 18,000 candidates registered for the exercise.

Birsan Penuel, Co-chairman of the recruitment committee and Acting Executive Secretary of the Post-Primary Schools Management Board, reaffirmed that the initiative aligns with Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s education reform agenda aimed at addressing the shortage of qualified teachers and improving learning outcomes.

He added that successful candidates from the CBT will advance to the next stages, including oral interviews and document verification, with the process expected to conclude before the next academic session to ensure timely deployment of teachers.

One of the candidates, Asondolo Ibrahim, lauded the state government for the transparent conduct of the examination, describing it as well-organised and fair. She also commended Governor Fintiri for creating employment opportunities for young people in the state.