For the first time since the inception of this administration, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the appointment of two Muslim personalities, Dr. (Mrs.) Shareefah Adejoke Yusuf and Mr. Amuni Abayomi Mustapha as Tutors–General/Permanent Secretaries in the state’s civil service.
The appointments were contained in a circular with reference CIR/HOS/’23/Vol. 1/111 issued by the State Head of Service, Hakeem Muri Okunola on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.
Equity News gathered that a copy of the letter, with the title “Appointment and deployment of Tutors-General/Permanent Secretaries” was also addressed to the offices of the Deputy Governor, Speaker of the State House of Assembly and other parastatals.
It is hereby notified for general information that Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, in line with the need to reinvigorate the State’s policy implementation apparatus, has approved the appointment of two (2) new Tutors-General/Permanent Secretaries in the State Public Service.
“Accordingly, Dr. (Mrs.) Yusuf Shareefah Adejoke is deployed as Tutor-General/ Permanent Secretary, Education District VI and Mr. Amuni Abayomi Mustapha as Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District V,” the letter stated, in part.
Before their new promotions, which take effect from Wednesday, January 25, Dr. Adejoke and Mr. Mustapha, both devout Muslims, were formerly Principal of Ansar-Ud Deen Senior High School, Surulere and Principal, Araromi Ilogbo Senior Secondary School, Oko-Afo, Badagry, respectively.
They are both members of Muslim Teachers Association of Nigeria, MUTAN, Lagos State Chapter.
Two Not Enough, Muslim Teachers Seek More Slots
Muslim teachers in the State have lauded the State government, even though they claimed these appointments are coming late.
They also noted that appointing two Muslims as tutors-general/permanent secretaries was not enough considering that Muslims make up the largest population in the State.
Those who spoke with Equity News under the condition of anonymity said this is the first time two Muslims will be appointed as Tutors-General by this administration since the swearing-in 2019.
You know, we can’t talk to the press under civil service rule but we are very happy, even though we want more. If they want to be fair to the Muslims who have the largest population in Lagos State, we need additional two slots for Tutors-General position. It’s supposed to be 4-2 sharing formula, not 0-6 that we used to have before now”, a Muslim teacher said.
Another concerned Muslim teacher said, “It’s a piece of good news even though it’s coming late. Some might think the appointment is connected to the general elections. Their promotion could have come earlier than this but it’s never too late. I know one of them, Dr. Adejoke, is a member of The Criterion. I congratulate them. We hope to see many Muslims in that office in the nearest future.”
