Biodun Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti State, has directed the principals overseeing the secondary schools in the state to demonstrate more verifiable commitments in order to guarantee better ratings for the state in national public examinations.
Oyebanji declared that he will never relent in advocating for the welfare of principals and teachers, ensuring that their standard of living is commensurate with the services they provide in the process of developing the state’s human capital resources.
During the three-day biannual Southwest Bloc’s Meeting of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), which took place in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, on Tuesday, the governor gave a speech.
Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, reminded the principals that high rating for Ekiti in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) remained a veritable yardstick to appraise the qualities of teachers being paraded by the state.
According to him, “Ekiti State is a Land of Honour and Fountain of Knowledge. Education is the major industry in Ekiti State, so we must make it thrive. You should also know that the overall performance of your students in external examinations is a direct reflection of the qualities of principals and teachers.
“I, therefore, implore you to use all legitimate methods to ensure your students excel in their examinations. I also advise you to prevail on the parents to fulfil their own obligations toward their children.
”Harping on the need for the citizens to key into the policy of his government to promote education, Oyebanji advised the principals to partner with private organisations and alumni associations to boost Infrastructure in schools.
“Education is a key to success in life. Ekiti State Government holds the principals of Secondary Schools in high esteem. This was demonstrated through the appointments of Principals as Tutors-General in the state.
“As of now, three former Principals are occupying the post of Tutors-General in the State. This appointment encourages other Principals to be diligent and hopeful of getting to a higher level before retirement,” he said.
Oyebanji stated that the State Government would not relent in fulfilling the agenda of putting machinery in place for more investment in the education sector, saying this reflected in the huge amount earmarked to the sector in the 2024 appropriation law.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, appealed to teachers not to be disillusioned by challenges confronting their profession, assuring that the current government shall continually celebrate and reward them appropriately.
She said that the state government had spent N2.2 billion on school building renovations, along with upgrades to ICT infrastructure and labs. She predicted that increased funding for the education sector in the 2024 budget would encourage further growth in the field.
The Southwest Bloc Chairman of ANCOPPS, Pastor Abraham Ojetunde, spoke at the occasion and said that the gathering will allow them to exchange ideas on how to improve the education sector in the southwest, which is well-known as the hub of eggheads in Nigeria.
Ojetunde, who doubles as the President of the Oyo chapter of ANCOPSS, added that the body should always maintain decorum, civility and intellectualism while handling any issue with the government and make education paramount to protect the future of the country.