By DAYO ADESULU
- October 7, 2024, Designated as a Holiday for Educators
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has officially announced a work-free day for teachers on Monday, October 7, 2024, in honor of this year’s Teachers’ Day. This declaration was made during a celebration at the Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, the state capital. Schools across Ogun State are scheduled to resume academic activities on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
- Notification to Private School Proprietors
The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools in Ogun State has communicated this holiday to its members, reminding them of the governor’s directive. A notice circulated among school owners stated, “In line with this directive, all schools are expected to observe the holiday. Therefore, academic activities are suspended tomorrow.”
- Investment in Education: New Classroom Facilities
During the same event, Governor Abiodun announced the construction of 12 blocks of 900 smart classrooms across four schools in each zone of the state. The selected schools include Abeokuta Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Remo Secondary School, and Yewa College.
- Innovative Educational Initiatives
Highlighting his administration’s achievements in the education sector, Abiodun introduced the Ogun Digitalised Multimedia Lesson Plan, aimed at equipping teachers with essential resources for effective lesson delivery. Additionally, he mentioned the establishment of the Central Education Management Information System to enhance data collection and analysis.
- Addressing Educational Infrastructure Challenges
Governor Abiodun also spoke about the Ogun State Education Intervention Fund and the successful implementation of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) using Optical Mark Reader sheets. He emphasized the importance of technology in education with the rollout of ICT facilities in preparation for the Nigeria Learning Passport.
In his remarks, he acknowledged the challenges of abandoned school projects from 2018 and 2019, attributing the issues to inflation and unrealistic pricing. He has initiated a task force to identify and address the worst-performing schools in the state.
- A Commitment to Educational Excellence
Governor Abiodun concluded by assuring that the newly approved work plan for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) will prioritize the completion of abandoned projects and focus on improving the conditions of the most disadvantaged schools. His administration remains committed to enhancing educational standards in Ogun State, ensuring that all students have access to quality learning environments.