The Kaduna State Government said on Tuesday that the planned compulsory proficiency and competency test introduced for primary school teachers across the state was not to witch-hunt anybody.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Andrew Nok made the clarification in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.
He explained that the test became necessary following the low quality of teaching observed in primary schools.
According to him, the proficiency test is normal in any establishment, especially if effective and quality service is at stake.
“What we want to do is to know who is teaching what in our schools and whether the person is competent enough to teach.
“You would be surprise to know that someone teaching science for example could not define science. Such a person has no business teaching in our schools.”
Nok said that the test would be conducted by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), adding that those found to be deficient would be given a window for remedy.
“Meanwhile, those that do not fit in the profession would be transferred to areas they could make impact and those that are beyond redemption, I am sorry, they would have to go,” the commissioner said.
NAN reports that the state government had on Oct. 10 announced plans to conduct proficiency test for the primary school teachers scheduled to commence on Oct. 29.
