In a renewed effort to address the shortage of teachers in public primary schools, particularly in rural communities, the Ogun State Government has engaged 448 OgunTeach interns and issued them engagement and posting letters.

The letters were presented to the successful applicants on Tuesday at the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Secretariat in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Chairman of SUBEB, Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, said the recruitment exercise was deliberately designed to strengthen manpower in rural schools across the state, urging the interns to accept their postings with commitment and a strong sense of responsibility.

He warned that requests for redeployment would not be entertained, stressing that any intern who sought a change of posting would be immediately replaced.

“The moment anyone calls me to seek a change of posting, we will remove the person’s name immediately. There are many others seeking this opportunity and you should appreciate Governor Dapo Abiodun for making this engagement possible,” Ifede said.

The SUBEB chairman directed the interns to resume duty immediately, noting that failure to do so would result in automatic replacement.

He also emphasised the importance of the prompt submission of assumption-of-duty documents to ensure timely processing of salaries.

“We do not want your payment to be delayed. Salary processing will only commence for those who submit their assumption-of-duty documents early,” he added.

Ifede further charged the interns to work harmoniously with their headteachers and colleagues, describing the engagement as a call to service rather than an entitlement.

According to him, dedication, discipline and performance would determine their chances of being considered for permanent appointment.

“Basic education is the foundation of our system. We need teachers who are determined and committed to ensuring that pupils can read, write and communicate effectively,” he said.

Earlier, the Director of Administration and Supplies at SUBEB, Mr Femi Fatade, disclosed that the selection process was strictly merit-based, adding that postings were carried out in line with the specific needs of rural schools across the state.

Responding on behalf of the interns, Mr Adedayo Taiwo expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Government under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun for the opportunity, assuring that the beneficiaries would discharge their duties diligently and in line with expectations.