Tinubu Approves Recruitment of 3,252 PTA Teachers into Federal Civil Service

President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 3,252 verified Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) teachers into the Federal Civil Service in a move aimed at addressing teacher shortages in Federal Unity Colleges and improving the quality of education across the country.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the approval in a statement issued on Thursday through his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah.

According to the minister, priority will be given to verified PTA teachers who have spent several years teaching in Federal Unity Colleges and Federal Technical Colleges, with some having served for nearly 25 years.

He described the approval as one of the Tinubu administration’s most significant interventions in the education sector, noting that it recognises the dedication and sacrifices of PTA teachers who have sustained teaching activities despite years of uncertainty.

Alausa explained that the recruitment followed a comprehensive verification exercise conducted by an inter-ministerial committee, which screened eligible PTA teachers across Federal Unity Colleges nationwide.

The exercise successfully verified 3,252 teachers across different cadres, including Education Officers, Assistant Education Officers and Technical Instructors, making them eligible for regularisation after completing all statutory requirements.

The minister said the initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is expected to improve the teacher-student ratio in Federal Unity Colleges while rewarding experienced educators who have remained committed to public education.

He added that integrating the teachers into the Federal Civil Service would preserve valuable institutional experience, strengthen classroom instruction and improve learning outcomes for students.

According to Alausa, the recruitment also aligns with broader efforts to reposition Federal Unity Colleges as centres of academic excellence through improved staffing and enhanced teacher quality.

He assured the affected teachers that the remaining administrative procedures required for their formal appointments would be completed in line with public service regulations.

The minister expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the exercise, describing the decision as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to prioritising education and national development.

He reiterated that no education system can rise above the quality of its teachers and stressed that investing in qualified educators remains essential for sustainable improvements in the sector.

For several years, Federal Unity Colleges have relied on PTA-funded teachers to fill staffing gaps created by inadequate recruitment into the federal teaching service. Many of the affected teachers have worked for between 10 and 25 years without permanent appointments despite performing the same responsibilities as government-employed teachers.

The ministry assured all verified PTA teachers that the regularisation process would be carried out transparently, fairly and in accordance with established procedures.