Persons with disabilities in Nasarawa State have appealed to Governor Abdullahi Sule to intervene in the termination of their appointments by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), saying the decision has subjected them to unbearable hardship.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent examines the issues surrounding the disengagement of these teachers barely a year after their employment, and how it is affecting their lives.
Background to the Crisis
In February 2025, the Nasarawa State Teachers Service Commission was thrown into crisis following allegations of irregularities in the recruitment of over 4,000 teachers , far above the 1,000 positions approved by the state government.
Reacting to the controversy, Governor Abdullahi Sule took decisive action by:
Sacking the then TSC Chairman, Alhaji Muhammed Abubakar Gada, along with other members.
Reversing the recruitment exercise carried out by the former leadership.
Reconstituting the Commission with Mr. Timothy Kasuwa as the new Chairman to restore order.
However, months later, the storm is far from over.
Persons with Disabilities Caught in the Crossfire
Some teachers living with disabilities expressed shock after discovering that they were included in the list of disengaged staff, despite benefiting from Governor Sule’s directive to allocate five percent of employment opportunities to persons with disabilities.
Two visually impaired teachers, Filibus Abimiku and Ishaku Maikoni, said their appointments were based on merit, yet they were removed without explanation even after receiving salaries for eight months.
“We never saw this coming because our appointments were based on merit. We are qualified for the job, but the Teachers Service Commission has not given us any good reason for terminating our appointments.
Our lives are in shambles. We can’t afford three square meals since our salaries were stopped,” they lamented.
They added that they continued working even after their salaries were withheld, hoping to be reinstated in the fresh recruitment ordered by the Governor but that hope has not materialised.
“Save Our Souls,” A Nursing Mother Pleads
Another visually impaired teacher and nursing mother, Mrs. Lucy Ojobo, made a passionate appeal to the Governor:
“I just started a family after getting this teaching appointment, but now we have been disengaged. How do they expect us to survive?
I am totally blind and have a baby to care for. If I start begging for alms, people won’t believe me because they know I had a job. Governor Sule should please save our souls.”
Disability Rights Commission Reacts
The Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission, Mr. Sale Barde Keana, described the disengagement as a major setback to the government’s vision of empowering persons with disabilities.
“This is unfortunate and heartbreaking. The Governor has good intentions for persons with disabilities that is why he approved five percent employment opportunities in all agencies, including the Teachers Service Commission.
But we don’t understand how persons with disabilities were recruited and later disengaged without explanation. I will personally follow up to ensure justice,” he assured.
Government’s Response
Responding, the Chairman of the Teachers Service Commission, Mr. Timothy Kasuwa, said the concerns raised by the affected teachers are receiving attention from the state government.
He urged the disengaged teachers to remain calm, assuring them that Governor Sule prioritises the welfare of persons with disabilities.
Uncertain Future
For the affected teachers, the waiting continues. Three months without salaries have pushed many into dire financial situations, with some living from hand to mouth.
The big question remains: how long will they have to wait for justice?
As they hold on to hope, many are calling on the government to reconsider its decision and give these teachers another chance at a dignified livelihood. (Radio Nigeria)