By Odunayo Oluwabukola, Ibadan
Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof.Salihu Adelabu, charged the management of various schools in the state not to relent in their efforts in the monitoring and maintenance of infrastructural facilities in their schools.
The commissioner, while speaking at the commissioning of six classrooms with an Office built by the National Old Students’ Association of Okeho/Iganna Grammar School, held at the school premises, said the old students associations in the state have joined hands with the government to move education forward.
The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary/ Inspector General of Education (IGE), Kajola Education Zone, Engr. Adebayo Salaam explained that the present administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde has been showing strong determination at repositioning the education sector of the state.
He applauded the National Old Students Association of Okeho/Iganna Grammar School for giving back to their alma mater, saying that their contributions will no doubt improve teaching and learning in the school.
He therefore implored other stakeholders in the society to partner with the government in funding the education sector.
He said, “I feel highly elated to be part of today’s epoch making occasion of the official commissioning of a Block of six classrooms, with an office, renovated school building, a store and its convenience built by the National Old Students’ Association of Okeho/Iganna Grammar School.”
“From what could be seen and records available, Old Students Associations in the State have done a lot to move education forward in the state by complementing Government efforts in the areas of academic and infrastructural development of our schools.”
They have helped in the renovation of school buildings, equipping libraries with books, provision of toilet facilities for students, donation of computers to schools, engagement of the service of security guards in our various schools to mention a few.
“For these and others, the present administration in the State remains eternally grateful.”
I would like to commend the Association for the construction of a block of six classrooms with an office, renovation of the Parent’s Forum building and construction of modern toilets facility by Dr. Ibrahim Moshood, one of the old students of the School.
Your support and partnership with the government in the provision of qualitative education in the State is highly appreciated.
“In the words of Anne Frank – a German girl and Jewish victim of the Holocaust, “No one has ever become poor from giving” Also, Audrey Hepburn opined that “as you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands – one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
Oyo State, under the able leadership of the Governor; Engr. Abiodun Oluseyi Makinde, FNSE has shown strong determination in repositioning the Education sector of the State.
“These Government’s landmark achievements are numerous to mention. The introduction of free and qualitative Education in both primary and secondary schools in the State, the regular payment of teacher’s salaries and allowances, the promotion of teachers and civil servants as and when due, provision of 26,500 pairs of furniture for students, appointment of over 5,000 teachers and 692 Education Officers, purchase of science equipment, organization of intervention classes for graduating SSCE students, purchase of textbooks and notebooks for students across the State, construction of over 50 model classroom buildings and so on and so forth.
Also, the present administration has provided better funding for the education sector by raising its budgetary expenditure to 23.2% from 16%, increase in subvention to tertiary institutions in the state to 100%. Some other achievements are; reduction in the number of out of school children by over 25%, reinforcement of Teachers’ quality through training and retraining (ICT, Science Practical, Pedagogical Skills), upgrading of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education to University of Education and sole ownership of LAUTECH. In addition, the University was expanded to a multi-campus status starting with the Faculty of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin Campus, and the state university was increased from one to three and lots more.
“In line with the above, the State Government is therefore imploring other stakeholders in the society, for example: Corporate organisations, Non-government organisations, individuals, philanthropists, Parent Association to partner with her in the funding of Education in the State.
“I wish to boldly affirm that Oyo State Government is glad to identify with Okeho/Iganna Grammar School Old Students’ Association and the Government shall continue to synergize with any individual, organizations and Associations whose goals are designed to promote the development of education in the state.
“The Administration of Engr. Oluseyi Makinde is determined to use education to lift the majority of our people from poverty to prosperity.
“I want to appeal to the school management not to relent in their efforts in the monitoring and maintenance of the school infrastructural facilities as well as the facilities that are being commissioned today, 10th November, 2023.