The Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB) in Adamawa State has addressed growing concerns over the recent transfer and posting of teachers across all 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The clarification was given by the Acting Executive Secretary of PPSMB, Mr. Birsan Penuel, during an interview with ATV Yola.
Mr. Penuel explained that the transfers were initiated by the Adamawa State Civil Service Commission and were not arbitrary. According to him, the move was a response to urgent staffing needs in both junior and senior secondary schools.
“This action has come as a result of the gaps that exist within remote areas. We want to fill the gaps in the schools that have no teachers,” he stated.
He stressed that teachers whose services have been transferred to PPSMB do not have the right to choose their posting locations. He explained that it is the responsibility of the Board to determine where the need is greatest.
“Anyone that wishes to transfer his or her service to the Board has no rights to decide where he or she should be posted. The Board posts based on the need, and these fellows must work in accordance with the conditions of the Board, not the other way around,” he said.
Mr. Penuel also dismissed rumours that the policy was meant to break up families or cause financial hardship. Instead, he emphasized that the aim is to balance the distribution of teachers, particularly in underserved rural areas where children are left without qualified staff.
“We need them to fill the existing gaps in our classrooms, which is the reason why the Board accepted their transfers in the first place. Otherwise, we would have remained silent,” he added.
The Executive Secretary expressed concern over reports that some teachers have refused to resume at their new postings. He warned that civil service rules are clear on such issues and must be respected.
“Many of them don’t want to report at all but are instead insisting they won’t go. To me, that means they’re not interested in the job,” he stated.
He appealed to the affected teachers to look beyond personal comfort and focus on the needs of children in rural communities.
“It is the duty of the Board to ensure that future leaders in remote areas share the same educational experience with their peers in the cities,” he said.
Speaking on the duration of postings, Mr. Penuel revealed that a new policy is being developed to limit postings to a maximum of three years. After this period, teachers may be rotated to other locations, giving them an opportunity for a fair spread of service across different areas.
He went on to commend Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his strong investment in the education sector. According to him, the governor’s plan to recruit 5,000 additional teachers will help address the shortage and improve learning outcomes in the state.
“We must commend His Excellency for his vision in making education compulsory for school-age children. During my supervisory visits, I discovered some rural schools with only the principals and no teachers. Meanwhile, schools in the cities have up to 36 teachers, with some being redundant,” he explained.
Mr. Penuel concluded by urging teachers to view their work as a service to humanity and an opportunity to shape future generations.
“Teaching is a noble service. Teachers should not focus solely on what they can gain, but rather on the impact they can make. Even the NYSC members are concentrated in the cities—we must change this trend,” he said.
The PPSMB assured residents that every child in Adamawa State, regardless of location, will have access to quality education under its policies.