Controversy Erupts as Ogun PDP Accuses TESCOM of Political Coercion on Teachers

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised serious allegations against the state’s education authorities, claiming that public school teachers are being compelled to attend a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, known as Yayi.

On Saturday, the PDP issued a statement through its Media Aide, Afolabi Orekoya, alleging that a memo was circulating that directed teachers and head teachers in primary and secondary schools to gather for the meeting at the Alake Pavilion in Abeokuta. 

The party accused Chairman of the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Biodun Sanyaolu, and the Chairman of the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria in Ogun, Alhaji Adeosun Tajudeen Adekunle, of issuing the directive under orders from the Executive Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

Describing the alleged mandate as an abuse of power, the PDP condemned the politicization of the education sector. “There is no justification for compelling teachers to abandon their duties for a political gathering,” the statement asserted.

The opposition party further criticized the instruction that teachers should wear specific attire for the meeting, calling it a “political jamboree” rather than a legitimate educational event. “Our teachers are not political foot soldiers,” the PDP emphasized, urging TESCOM and SUBEB to concentrate on enhancing educational infrastructure and teachers’ welfare.

In response, TESCOM Chairman Sanyaolu vehemently denied any such coercion, stating that the meeting was initiated by the teachers’ unions themselves. “The opposition party’s claims are a blatant lie. Yayi has done much for the unions, and they requested this session,” he asserted.

Sanyaolu clarified that neither TESCOM nor SUBEB mandated attendance, emphasizing that the meeting was part of ongoing dialogues with various groups. “Teachers are excited to meet Yayi; we did not compel anyone,” he stated firmly.

The clash between the PDP and TESCOM underscores the growing tensions in Ogun State as the political climate heats up ahead of the upcoming elections. The situation raises critical questions about the intersection of education and politics in Nigeria, particularly regarding the role of public servants in political activities.

As the controversy unfolds, both parties seem poised for a fierce battle over the narrative, with implications for the educational landscape and political dynamics in the region.