We’re committed to providing quality education for all children – Aiyedatiwa
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State says his administration is committed to providing every child in the state quality education and opportunities to thrive, regardless of background.
Aiyedatiwa stated this on Thursday in Akure during the official flag-off of the distribution of instructional materials and sports equipment.
News Men reports that the materials distributed were to public primary and junior secondary schools across the 18 local government areas of the state.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the event is part of the implementation of the 2023 and 2024 UBEC/SUBEB intervention funds.
He announced that the state had successfully accessed the UBEC/SUBEB fund up to 2024, leading to infrastructural developments and procurement initiatives in the educational sector.
Aiyedatiwa noted that the occasion was not just a ceremonial handing over of books and equipment, but a significant stride toward reshaping the educational landscape of the state.
“I am glad to inform you that Ondo State is one of the few states to have accessed UBEC/SUBEB fund up to 2024 for developmental projects.
“And we have embarked on some massive infrastructural development programme, which include the renovation and construction of classrooms, provision of furniture and improved learning environments in our schools.
“This basically aims to make our educational system functional and also enhance our quest for technological development.
“Similarly, we have also prioritised the training and capacity building of teachers, recognising that no education system can rise above the quality of its teachers.
“This commitment is reflected in the regular training programmes organised to equip our teachers with modern teaching methodologies and digital literacy skills.
“Our teachers have been exposed to series of training and retraining on key areas of learning like Jolly phonics, Sciences, Mathematics, English Language and digital literacy,” he said.
The governor announced that the distribution included of over 75,000 textbooks and library resources in English, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, History, National Values, and Computer Studies.
According to him, Android tablets programmed with up-to-date educational content are also part of the package.
Aiyedatiwa said the distribution highlighted his administration’s recognition of physical education with the state’s outstanding performances in regional and national school sports competitions.
He announced the distribution of sporting equipment such as football kits, chess boards, swimming kits, badminton rackets, and table tennis sets to 52 basic schools.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), Mr Victor Olabimtan, expressed appreciation to the governor for prioritising education through sustained counterpart funding and policy support.
Olabimtan emphasised the goal of achieving a ”1:1 textbook-to-learner ratio” and urged stakeholders to ensure judicious use of the materials.
In his goodwill message, Friedrich Akintoroye, speaking on behalf of the Association of Primary School Health Teachers of Nigeria, described the occasion as more than just the distribution of resources.
Akintoroye described the gesture as a clear reaffirmation of the governor’s dedication to the growth and transformation of the education sector.
He urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the instructional materials and sports equipment to achieve educational excellence and pledged continued support for government efforts.
Also speaking, Sola Adubi, who represented Alhaji Abimbola Omoloja, the State Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), thanked the governor for initiatives that ease the burden on parents.
On his part, Dr Ade Omololu, Chairman of the Forum of Education Secretaries, commended the Aiyedatiwa-led administration for its proactive role in supporting basic education through timely release of counterpart funding.
