Several applicants participating in the Osun State Government Teachers Recruitment are facing uncertainty as the Computer Based Test (CBT) did not take place as planned on Wednesday.
The examination, part of the teachers recruitment process, was supposed to be conducted at various centers across the state, as announced by the state government earlier in the week.
In a statement released last Friday by M.A.K. Jimoh, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, it was stated that the CBT exam would commence promptly at 8am on Wednesday.
According to the statement, “The CBT examination for the Osun State Teacher’s Recruitment Exercise was scheduled to take place between Wednesday, 27th, and Thursday, 28th March, 2024, at different designated centers within UNIOSUN. Applicants were instructed to arrive at their designated centers with the printed examination slip, and all exams were set to start at 8am daily.”
As per information gathered by NewsNow, each applicant was required to pay a registration fee of N2,000 to be eligible for the CBT exams.
Applicants at the Ilesa and Ede CBT centers expressed their frustration to NewsNow, reporting that Batches 1 to 4, scheduled from 8am to 11am, were unable to take the exams as planned.
They mentioned waiting until 3pm without any communication from state officials, leaving them stranded and hungry for explanations regarding the unexpected postponement of the CBT examination.
Similar occurrences were observed at centers in Osogbo, Ikire, and Ile Ife.
One applicant at the Ilesa center, who preferred anonymity, shared, “People had been here since 7am. They informed us that the server issue originated from Osogbo and caused a delay.
“I traveled from Ipetu-Jesa to Ilesa, thinking I was late, only to arrive and find no progress. They claimed there was a network problem. Can you believe it? I left home at 6:00am.”
Another applicant, Joshua Akinbade, criticized the lack of organization within the state Ministry of Education and the government, asking, “Aren’t they aware of the scheduled exams today? Didn’t we pay for proper logistics? This showcases disarray.”
Around 3pm, reports indicated that the CBT centers were being closed as no exams had taken place.
However, a statement from the management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), one of the affected exam centers, revealed that the server had been compromised overnight by unknown individuals attempting to disrupt the recruitment test.
The statement, signed by UNIOSUN’s spokesperson, Ademola Adesoji, mentioned the need for time to address the server issues, resulting in a delay in starting the exams and the rescheduling of tests at two out of the thirteen centers.
The statement read, “Our server was unexpectedly compromised at midnight. We responded to the attack and prevented any breach to our critical systems and question database.
“The damage incurred required time for resolution, causing delays and the rescheduling of tests at two centers. Exams concluded at 11 locations today, but the two affected centers in Osogbo and Ikire will be rescheduled.”
“We anticipate the Ministry’s decision on this matter. Your patience during this unforeseen circumstance is greatly appreciated. Despite setbacks, we are committed to the success of the Osun State government.”
UNIOSUN’s management issued an apology for any inconvenience caused and affirmed their dedication to the recruitment process, despite the setback.