Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has approved the construction of 12 blocks of 900 smart classrooms in four schools in each zone across the state.
The four benefiting schools are Abeokuta Grammar School, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta; Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode; Remo Secondary School, Sagamu; and Yewa College, Ilaro.
The governor also approved Monday, October 6, 2024, as a work-free day to enable teachers to celebrate the day announced the absorption of 1,000 OgunTeach scheme interns into the State Teaching Service Commission.
Governor Abiodun made the announcement at this year’s Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Abiodun, who acknowledged the contributions of teachers in molding the character of future generations, agreed to pay transport allowances to all public school teachers in place of the work-free days currently being enjoyed by other state government workers.
While calling on all to reflect on the profound impact of education on individuals and the pivotal role of teachers in shaping not just the lives of children but the entire nation, the governor acknowledged the immense challenges in the teaching profession, despite several obstacles.
He said, “We believe that education is the bedrock of any meaningful socio-political and economic development, and teachers are the architects of that foundation. As Nelson Mandela rightly stated, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting educators through our ‘Building Our Future Together’ Agenda. Investing in education is an investment in the future of Ogun State. That is why we continue to improve teachers’ salaries, fund training programs, and ensure that every classroom is well-equipped,” Governor Abiodun assured.
In his opening remarks, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, noted that the theme of this year’s celebration aligns with the administration’s policy of engendering a new social order not only in the education sector but the whole state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Felix Agbesanwa, appreciated the present administration for recruiting more teachers through the OgunTeach scheme, renovating schools, and bringing sanity to the schools through the signing of undertakings by parents and students.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in the state, Sewakanu Oladipupo, said the day was set aside by the United Nations to celebrate the immense contributions of teachers in nation-building, adding that despite the present economic crunch, the administration has made the welfare of teachers and the education sector a priority.
The Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Lekan Ifede, in his goodwill message, described Ogun teachers as the best in the country, while his counterpart from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Femi Majekodunmi, lauded Governor Abiodun for investing heavily in the education sector over the last five years.
Teachers’ Day: Ogun schools to have smart classroom – Gov Abiodun
