The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYO SUBEB) inaugurated Education Secretaries across the 33 Local Government areas of the state on Friday, warning them not to abuse the privileges of the office.
Inaugurating the secretaries on behalf of the State Governor in Ibadan, the Chairman of the Board, Dr Nureni Adeniran, implored them to improve education quality in their localities and reduce the number of out-of-school children.
He appreciated Gov. Seyi Makinde for deeming it fit to appoint the new Education Secretaries across the state’s 33 Local Government Universal Basic Education Authorities (LGUBEA).
While he warned that sanctions would be imposed for any form of abuse, Adeniran said the State Universal Basic Education Board had a very strong, solid foundation for the new education secretaries in the areas of infrastructural development and manpower upliftment of both teaching and non-teaching staff.
He stated that the board had raised the bar for the learning process for both formal and non-formal leather corners, learner and training of teachers and ensuring well-orchestrated primary school administration.
Adeniran, also charged all the Education Secretaries to be “ high fliers “ in subject content mastery, knowledge and skills that would guarantee prudence, accountability and transparency in their new appointments.
“You, as Education Secretaries, are now well positioned to build on the existing foundation and even add value where it is necessary,” he said.
He admonished them to work hard for the success of the education sector with their new appointments.
“So that at the end of it all, your names will be written in gold among those that have immensely contributed to the success of this administration”.
Adeniran said he was convinced that their appointment was in recognition of their capacity, capability and contributions to the development of education in the state.
“With you, a new era of primary school administration and leadership has, once again, been ushered in.
“In addition, you are expected to work very hard at your jurisdiction to complement the efforts of the State Universal Basic Education Board in particular, and Universal Basic Education Commission in general,” Adeniran said.
He urged them to buckle up for the few challenges they may face, adding that they must deal with them accordingly in line with the dictum that ‘there are no insurmountable challenges’.
Adeniran further charged them with taking charge of the general administration of the LGUBEA and ensuring effective monitoring of school activities within it.
The chairman, however, called for strict compliance with the rules of engagement, so that the whole system will be run as envisioned for the benefit of the state and pupils and learners who were supposed to be the future leaders.
“You are expected to exercise strict caution when making decisions and always seek clearance and advice from the Board on grey areas to avoid any mistakes that could be costly while running your office.
“I pray fervently that you succeed in all your undertakings and endeavours during your tenure as Education Secretaries within your various jurisdictions,” Adeniran said.
Speaking earlier, board member Mr Akeem Oladeji opined that their appointment was a deliberate action and a clarion call for them to join the present enviable train of education administration, as exemplified in the state, to be in tandem with the four cardinal agendas and focus of the present Administration led by Gov. Seyi Makinde, of which education is listed.
Also, a Part-time member of the board, Mrs Folasade Ajala admonished them to be focused, dedicated and loyal to the present administration that considered them worthy.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Mr Raji Oladimeji, assured the board and the new Secretaries of the Union’s support and cooperation.
He also congratulated the new Education Secretaries on their well-deserved appointments across the state’s 33 LGUBEAs.
Responding on behalf of the Education Secretaries, Mrs Morenike Adeniran, from Ibadan South-West Local Government thanked the governor for the rare opportunity and deemed it fit to appoint them.
She also appreciated the SUBEB boss for turning the tides of the commission with the new development.
