Teacher’s Competence: A Variable for Recruitment and Retention of Teachers for Successful Implementation of the Universal Basic Education Scheme

Abstract

This paper x-ray the extent to which competence is used as a criterion for recruitment and selection of primary school teachers and also the extent to which recruited Teachers are empowered to attain competence on job and remain in service. Three Hundred and twenty five (325) teachers in primary schools, 95 male, and 230 females were randomly selected from 18 primary schools from 6 of the 16 local government areas of Kwara state formed the sample of the study. The competence in Appointment and Retention Questionnaire (CARQ) was used for Data Collection. The result shows that the value attached to the use of competence as a criterion in the selection of Teachers is poor. The study also revealed the inadequacy of the existing forms of incentives of the teaching service condition for retention of primary school teachers on the job. It was recommended that the government should demonstrate enough political will in its desire to achieve successful implementation of the UBE scheme by employing enough qualified teachers. Teachers morale and self esteem should be empowered by regular payment of salary and
allowances.