By LUCY OSUIZIGBO-OKECHUKWU

The Anambra State House of Assembly has ordered the suspension of the conversion of teachers engaged by Parents Teachers Association (PTA) to permanent staff in state’s schools.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PTA-teachers were engaged by the association following the acute shortage of teaching staff in public primary and secondary schools.

The House, in a resolution at plenary on Wednesday, said that the alleged conversion and recruitment did not follow due process.

The resolution followed a motion raised by Mr Ejike Okechukwu, representing Anaocha I State Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Basic Education, under matters of urgent public importance.

Okechukwu said the alleged conversion and recruitment was lopsided and unfair.

“The Ministry of Basic Education got approval in this year’s budget to convert about 500 PTA teachers in different Local Government Areas of the state to permanent staff.

“But I have been receiving calls and complaints that the alleged conversion did not follow due process as many of the shortlisted persons were not even the PTA teachers.

“As a responsible House that speaks for the people, we cannot watch while things go wrong in the state.

“There is need to investigate and ascertain the criteria for the exercise.

“While that is on, the exercise should be suspended and the Commissioner, Prof. Kate Omenugha, be invited to appear before the House to explain what happened,” he said.

Supporting the motion, Dr Tim Ifedioranma, representing Njikoka l Constituency, said basic education was an important ministry and should be devoid of any form of compromise.

“These PTA teachers render selfless service, they are competent and experienced, it will not be fair to discard them and bring in some inexperienced persons to teach in our schools,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr John Nwokoye, representing Awka North Constituency, said the Ministry overshot the approved number in the budget as it shortlisted 612 names against the approved 500.

Contributing, Mr Uzoma Eli, representing Onitsha South l Constituency, said that the Assembly should stand against such anomaly to prevent future occurrence.

The Speaker of the House, Mr Uche Okafor said if the conversion was not properly done it would affect many schools in the rural and riverine areas in the state

“We have a duty as lawmakers to carry out oversight functions and investigate what is going on in the Ministry of Basic Education and other institutions in the state.

“Be it, therefore, resolved that the PTA teachers conversion be suspended pending the completion of investigation into the alleged non-compliance to due process.

“That the Commissioners for Basic Education, should appear before the House on the next adjourned date, for further explanation,” he said.

Also at plenary, the Anambra State Audit Bill 2021 and the Anambra State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2022, passed first reading.

The House lamented the high rate of fire outbreaks in the state and urged residents to be cautious. (NAN)

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