Education

Ogun Stakeholders Demand Inclusive Education Reform

By Web News 221

By Omolara Adasofunjo

Stakeholders in the education sector in Ogun State have called for inclusive representation, improved funding, teachers’ capacity building, and curriculum-based skills development across state-owned institutions.

They made the call at a stakeholders’ forum on a House Bill titled “A Bill for a Law to Establish the Ogun State Education and Skills Trust Fund for Rejuvenating Education Infrastructure and Facilitating Skills and Other Connected Purposes,” held at the Assembly Complex Oke-Mosan.

Participants, including the State Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Comrade Felix Agbesanwa, and heads of tertiary institutions, also stressed the need for transparency and targeted interventions to strengthen the education system.

Declaring the forum open, the Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr Oludaisi Elemide, described the proposed legislation as long overdue.

He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his sustained commitment to the development of education in the state.

Mr Elemide also appreciated members of the Assembly for supporting the accelerated passage of the bill, expressing confidence that it would enhance the capacity and skills of learners while revitalising educational infrastructure for improved socio-economic and technological growth.

In his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Mr Yusuf Amosun, said the bill would address infrastructural deficits in schools and respond to the increasing demand for practical, job-oriented skills among young people.

A former Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, called for equitable distribution of funds across the three senatorial districts and adequate representation on the board.

Mr Oluomo proposed an increase in board membership from 10 to 13 and recommended that appointments be subject to legislative approval.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, commended the House for its swift consideration of the bill.

Professor Arigbabu said the executive arm had undertaken extensive consultations, including with the judiciary, to develop a robust framework, assuring stakeholders that their contributions would be duly incorporated.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Education

Gboyega Isiaka Launches School Support Programme

By Web News 761

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

House of Representatives member representing Yewa North/Imeko Afon Federal Constituency, Prince Gboyega Isiaka has initiated a series of education support interventions to complement the state government’s efforts in providing quality and affordable education to constituents.

The initiative, involving both short and long-term interventions, targeting a 15-year development plan for the federal constituency was formulated based on the outcome of deliberations with key stakeholders, including the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, school principals and other administrators.

According to a statement by the Media Aide to the federal lawmaker, Mr Femi Peters, plans by Prince Isiaka to prioritize education in the area includes the Public School Teaching Support Programme involving the engagement of 40 additional Parents and Teachers Association, PTA, teachers to teach English Language and Mathematics in secondary schools across the constituency, commencing with the third term school calendar in April 2024.

Other areas of focus identified in the statement were school infrastructure and enhancement schemes, especially the implementation of programmes and projects already included in the National Budget and ensuring funding and other direct support to students, such as assisting potential candidates to obtain JAMB forms. 

The statement also listed plans to offer Technical Education and Vocational Training, with the lawmaker championing a bill at the House of Representatives to establish a Technical and Skills Acquisition Center within the constituency while sponsoring eligible constituents to seek relevant vocational training in different parts of the country and promoting moral values and mentoring to the students. 

The statement which enjoined people to embrace the plan, also explained that the gesture was aimed at enhancing quality education in the constituency for the wellbeing of the people.

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Sport

Female Student-Athletes Win Scholarship Worth N100m

By Web News 532

By Bolanle Adesida

A female students’ football team from African Church Grammar School, Ita-Eko, Abeokuta in Ogun State has won the just concluded Nigeria Secondary Schools Flag Football Season II, with scholarships worth N100 million for the pursuance of their academic to the university level.

Speaking during the presentation of a trophy by the state representatives, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu commended the school for making the State proud always at most of the major competitions, especially in JETS and School Sports.

Professor Arigbabu said that since the inception of the present administration, not less than 200 students were sponsored to participate in competitions at the Local, National and International levels, to aid competitiveness and enhance better performance.

While urging the beneficiaries to remain focus in order to attain more academic success, Professor Arigbabu gave the assurance that present administration in the state would continue to celebrate outstanding students.

In a remark, the Southwest Chairman, Nigeria School Sports Federation, Mr. Olarotimi Okeleye explained that the competition was jointly organised by the Nigeria America Football Association, Nigeria School Sports Federation, Ondo and Ogun State Governments.

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News

Stakeholders Harp on Equal Opportunity for Girl-Child

By Web News 447

Ogun State Government has called for a level playing ground for the girl child in an effort to make them reach their potential as equal opportunity is healthy for their growth.

Commissioner of Education, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu made the call in Abeokuta at the commemoration of the international day of the girl child organized by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Ogun State Chapter. 

Professor Arigbabu who maintained that there was hardly anything a boy child could attain that a girl child could not if given equal opportunities pointed out that the persistent problem of gender stereotypes was consciously and subconsciously perpetrated by everyone.

The Commissioner revealed that the issue of gender stereotypes had been on for ages as a result of some myths in Yoruba culture and tradition which tend to position one gender over the other.

Commissioner for culture and tourism, Mrs Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo called on the young female gender in society to uphold their moral values and imbibe noble character to boost self-confidence, as well as shape the attitude that will determine their behaviour in the future.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the father of the day and founder, of pen-pushing media, prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji called on the students never to confuse infatuation for love as they continue in their studies and to dress decently to portray good moral upbringing.

Similarly, the mother of the day and the Ogun State President, Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria, GOMAN, Evangelist Damola Omonijo encouraged all female children to be mindful of their youthful age, imbibe good character and be determined to succeed in the future regardless of their current challenges.

Speaking on the theme, ‘’Bibiire’’, the guest lecturer, Princess Adejoke  Shomoye, admonished the students to be focused, innovative and always be the best, as they are an important specie that the world was waiting for.

Earlier, the NAWOJ chairperson, noted that the association decided to draw girl children’s attention to the moral and cultural values of the society.

Modupeola Sobukonla

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Education

Ogun Schools Resume September 13th – Commissioner

By Web News 2764

All primary, secondary schools and technical colleges in Ogun State are to resume on Monday, September 13, 2021 for the 2021/2022 academic session.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu made this known in a statement in Abeokuta.

Professor Arigbabu enjoined parents, guardians and all school administrators to ensure strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols as the students resume.

The state Ministry of Education also announced the release of the 2021/2022 screening examination results into the 42 flagship schools.

The statement signed by the commissioner enjoined candidates that sat for the examination to visit the ministry’s website at ogmoest.ogunstate.gov.ng to check their scores and follow other processes of admission.

Meanwhile, the commissioner for education has announced that the move of the state government to tackle overcrowding in public school classrooms has begun to yield positive results.

Professor Arigbabu during a meeting with principals noted that the screening examinations into the 42 flagship schools and placement of students into other schools has helped tremendously to achieve the objective.

He pointed out that the decongestion would further boost academic performance of students.

The commissioner urged the principals to make adequate preparation in their various schools for the 2021/2022 academic session resumption, charging them to set good examples in terms of good morals and excellent academic performance for others to emulate.

Wale Oluokun

Security

Cultism: Expert Advises Clearing Of Bushes Around Schools To Stem Tide

By Web News 830

Security experts have called on Schools in Ogun state to clear all bushes around their premises to improve monitoring of students activities and reduce the growing number of secondary school related cultism and other vices 

Ogun State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr. Kolawole Taiwo, made this known while speaking on measures to curb rising problem of rival cult clashes amongst secondary school students in Ogun state.

Recently, An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court ordered the remand of a fifteen year-old secondary school student Dehinde Dipeolu in a correctional centre for allegedly killing another female student.

The Prosecution Counsel for the case, Mr. Olu-Balogun Lawrence had informed the court that Dehinde Dipeolu committed the offence on twenty fourth of February at Nawair ud-deen Grammer School area in Abeokuta.

According to him the boy a fifteen year old of Reverend Kuti Memorial Grammar School had beaten to death a fourteen year old girl of Nawair ud- Deen Grammer School Abeokuta explaining that the minor accosted the victim on her way home from school asking her to be his girlfriend which she refused.

Recently, the Ogun state government debunked the reported death of two secondary school students of the Baptist Boys High School, Oke-Saje, Abeokuta.

However, The Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, confirmed that a student of BBHS, Kowiy Adeyemi was attacked and sustained injuries in an inter secondary school clashes.

The incident at Ilaro where Irate students of a secondary school vandalised a state fire service vehicle burnt down a cement haulage vehicle after an accident which claimed the life of student in the town could also be mentioned when speaking on security situation at secondary schools in Ogun state.

These and many reported and unreported Cult clashes of secondary schools in Sagamu, Ijebu Ode and environ call for concern of the government and other schools administrators.

The Ogun state commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Taiwo Kolawole while speaking said the incidents are wake up call to curb rival clashes amongst secondary school students which he said may lead to large scale violence.

Mr. Taiwo called for Consistent and regular monitoring of secondary schools in Ogun state to abate rising cases of cultism and other vices.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu while speaking said the government was working hard to ensure safety of all students while in school.

It is believed that the rising cases of students cultism and other security breaches in Ogun state secondary schools are expected to receive the deserved attention following the intervention and recommendations of the stakeholders.

Wale Oluokun

Education

Ogun Government Promises Continued Deployment Of Resources To Boost Education

By Web News 811

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says his administration will continue to deploy funds and resources to the education sector in an effort towards building on the good legacy a sound educational system which the state is known for.

Governor Abiodun also gave an assurance that government would create a conducive environment for the teaching and learning process, particularly in all the public secondary and primary schools in the state.

The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Engineer Noimot Salako Oyedele stated this while declaring open the 2020 All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, ANCOPSS, Ogun State Branch’s 40th Annual Congress held at Babcock University Stadium, Ilisan Remo, Ogun State. 

Governor Abiodun while soliciting more support and cooperation from school heads and other relevant stakeholders towards the continued development of the sector, said government had continued to review its strategy in the education industry in line with the world best practices.

Also speaking, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, said the state government is committed to transforming the comatose state of the education sector, while calling on ANCOPSS and other relevant stakeholders for more support, as the successful implementation of government policies requires the effort of all.

Earlier, Ogun State ANCOPSS President, Dr (Mrs) Ayodele Olubunmi Womiloju, said the essence of the annual congress was to provide a veritable platform for all Principals of public schools in the state to examine relevant issues in secondary schools towards restoring good and sound academic culture back to the schools.

Modupeola Sobukonla

Education

Staggered Classes Remain In Effect – Ogun Commissioner

By Web News 839

The Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology says the existing schedule of classes has not changed in the state.

A statement by the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu in Abeokuta explained that government primary and secondary schools will not resume full school hours until further notice.

The statement hinted that public schools will continue to have their classes in phases to avoid overcrowding and to help curtail the spread of the coronavirus.

The commissioner stated that while the staggered school system would be maintained, an additional hour had been added to the duration of stay in school for the SSS 3 students from noon to four p.m. to prepare them adequately for the 2020/2021 WASSCE.

The primaries one to three and junior secondary schools one to three are to be in school from eight to eleven am, primaries classes for to six and senior secondary schools one to two are to be in school from noon to three pm while senior secondary school three will be in school from 12-4 pm.

Wale Oluokun

Politics

Gov. Abiodun Swears in Two New Commissioners

By Web News 1276

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has sworn in a former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr Waheed Odusile as Commissioner for Information and Strategy. 

The governor also swore in Professor Abayomi Arigbabu as Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology at a ceremony held at Executive Chamber, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

Governor Abiodun called on the newly appointed Commissioners to support initiatives that would further strengthen the rating of Ogun State in the country.

He urged the new appointees to ensure that their ministries came up with innovative approaches that would promote overall development in the state, adding that their appointment was a call to service.

In separate remarks, the newly sworn in Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Odusile and his counterpart in the Ministry of Education, Professor Arigbabu, thanked the governor for giving them the opportunity to serve and promised to perform their duties diligently.

The duo also gave the assurance that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.

Bolanle Adesida

News

Abiodun Sends Names of Commissioner Nominees, Aides for Approval

By Web News 870

Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, has been notified of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s plans to nominate former President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mr Waheed Odusile and the Vice Chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu as commissioners designate for Ministry of Information and Strategy and, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology respectively.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mr Kunle Somorin, indicates that the names of the two nominees have been forwarded to the State House of Assembly for screening.

The statement also announced the appointment of Fola Onifade as General Manager for the State Signage and Advertising Agency and Mr Sesan Asenuga, General Manager Parks and Garages Development Board, while Tolu Bankole was named Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and Mr Ifekayode Akinbode would serve as a Consultant on media.

The commissioner nominee for the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Odusile served as President of the Federation of African Journalists and also has considerable experience in broadcast and print journalism.

The Commissioner nominee for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Professor Arigbabu is a Mathematician and involved in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education and preparation programmes in Nigeria in the last two and a half decades.

Bolanle Adesida