In a bid to position the educational sector, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has set up modalities for the screening and revalidation of the 5,000 teachers whose appointments were terminated in October 2016 on grounds of observed irregularities in the recruitment process.

The Head of Civil Service, Mrs Ekereobong Akpan, dropped the hint during a Media briefing with Government House Correspondents at her office.

According to her, Government has made good its promise of employing qualified personnel into the teaching service by opening another window of recruitment to enable the sacked recruited workers defend their suitability through another round of test.

Mrs Akpan hinted that the affected personnel would be admitted into the venue of the revalidation on presentation of original copy of the Letter of Appointment which was terminated.

“Affected persons will be expected to supply their personal details, Birth Certificate, First School Leaving Certificate, Educational Qualifications, Certificate of Origin, and all other documents earlier submitted in the aborted recruitment exercise.

“Let me state here and very sincerely that all the affected persons who succeed at this fool-proof screening exercise shall be offered appointment to teach in our public schools,” Mrs Akpan assured.

On the absorption of staff of the six privately-owned community schools, the Head of Service explained that the sudden rise to 546 personnel in the schools following approval for take-over by government in 2012 was worrisome to this administration as it immediately set up committee to unravel the mystery.

“Let me again break the good news that the committee set up has submitted its report and all the qualified teaching and non-teaching staff as identified by the community who used to pay roll them will be absorbed into the service.”

Mrs Akpan mentioned the affected Schools to include Unity Model College, Obontong Nsit Ibom LGA, Community Secondary School, Obio Ediene Ikono LGA, Ikono Annang Comprehensive Secondary School Nkwot Ikono Etim Ekpo LGA. Others are Afaha High School, Ikot Udo Mbang, Ukanafun LGA, Comprehensive High School, Ikpe Mbak Eyop Obot Akara LGA and Comprehensive Secondary School, Iwere, Ini LGA.

She used the occasion to apologise to the affected genuine staff of the institutions for the hardship suffered while the verification exercise lasted and commended the committee for embarking on what she described as a painstaking assignment which required them visiting the affected schools, communities and stake-holders of the institutions.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Deaconess Affiong Okpo, expressed appreciation to the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, for his uncompromised stance in ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process.

She called on the people to keep faith with the Governor and support his laudable programmes as well as efforts at repositioning the educational sector for a better Akwa Ibom.

The revalidation and recruitment process is scheduled for Saturday, 11 February, 2017.