Education
EDUCATION: Makinde relaunched SGBs in Oyo
The Oyo state governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, on Monday formally reinaugurated the School Governing Boards (SGBs) for the 643 secondary schools in the state, saying the board will help to reinforce his administration’s achievements in the education sector.
It would be recalled that the immediate past Governor of Oyo state, late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, had earlier inaugurated the School Governing Boards (SGBs) with a mandate to improve the performance of the state’s students in public examinations, and build good character of the students.
Speaking at the event which was held at the University of Ibadan, the late Ajimobi stated emphatically that the initiative became imperative owing to the poor quality of students’ in public examinations and dwindling fortunes of the state educational system, in its entirety.
Governor Makinde, however sacked the entire 643 School Governing Boards (SGBs) of public secondary schools in the state.
Makinde, in a circular letter obtained online, signed by one C.O Bolaji (Mrs) for the state Commissioner for Education, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, enjoined the principals to ensure that all school (s) materials in the Board’s custody are handed over to the school authority before their departure.
The circular letter, dated 11th May, 2021, also read, “In furtherance to this administration’s determination to reposition the School Governing Boards in Oyo state, I have the directive of the Honorable Commissioner to announce the disssolution of the 643 school governing boards of public secondary schools in the state
“In view of the above, government is immensely appreciative of their contributions to the the development of Education in the state.
“The principals, are however enjoined to ensure that all school (s) materials in the Board’s custody are handed over to the school authority before their departure”.
Inaugurating chairmen and members of the SGBs for the 643 state-owned secondary schools, Governor Makinde declared that all the policies introduced by his government in the education sector have been yielding positive results.
He was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, at the event held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as adding that the policies of his administration have also brought about the qualitative and sound education system currently being witnessed in the state.
According to him, such policies have led to improved access to quality education as evident in the drastic reduction in the number of out of school children and enrolment explosion in public schools as well as improvement in learning outcomes, among others.
The governor, who stated that the government is embarking on the inauguration of the SGB as a broad-based participatory management structure in the schools, said that the SGB structure is a means of attracting alternative funding sources for education in the state.
He added that it would also be a means of ensuring prudence and transparency in the utilisation of available resources for maximum impact.
He said: “It is a great honour to stand here before you today as we inaugurate the distinguished members of the Oyo State Schools Governing Boards for all the 643 secondary schools in our dear Pacesetter State.
“You will recall that at the inception of this administration in 2019, we expressed our desire not only to improve the quality of education available in the state, but also to make it easily accessible to all, irrespective of social background.
“We also made it known that we shall require and encourage greater involvement of willing and interested public and private sector stakeholders in the joint management of our schools.
“I am happy to inform you that all policies we have instituted to improve access to quality education have been yielding great dividends.
“How else shall we interpret enrolment explosion in our public schools and improved learning outcomes than that confidence is gradually being restored in public education.
“To reinforce the benefits of our reform policies, there is the need to ensure that the management of our public schools is sufficiently conditioned to administer the delivery of even more accessible quality education for the development of the state.
“This is why today we are here inaugurating a broad-based participatory management structure.”
According to Makinde, the administration has been presiding over a focused, prudent and responsible management of resources for the benefits of Oyo State people, hence the institution of the SGB is another quest to further reinforce the achievements already recorded by the administration in the education sector.
The governor added that all sectors in the state, including infrastructure, health, security and sport developments have benefited immensely from his administration’s prudent management of resources.
He encouraged members of the School Governing Boards to see their appointments as a call to service, urging them to see the assignment as a way of giving back to the community that made them and an avenue to contribute their quota to the development of Oyo State.
He noted that with the wealth of experience of the members of the SGB, the state is reassured of more improvements in the education sector, saying: “Apart from making education totally free, recruiting teachers and supplying furniture to schools, our Government has recorded many giant strides in the education sector the mention of which time will not permit here today.
“Suffice it to say that despite all the laudable achievements, we are not resting on our oars for there is still a lot to be done. With your continued support, we are confident we will achieve the Oyo State of our dream.”
The governor also admonished the Chairmen and Secretaries (School Principals) to work together in harmony and ensure that all actions taken by the various stakeholders serve a common goal: the good of the students and the system.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Barr. Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, listed some of the achievements of the administration in the education sector, including the procurement of furniture for students, appointment of 5,000 teachers and 700 education officers, purchase of science equipment.
Others, he said, include the sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University, organisation of intervention classes for graduating SSCE students, purchase of textbooks and notebooks for students across the state, construction of over 50 model classroom buildings, among others.
He lauded the governor for giving approval to the retention of the School Governing Board, saying: “From what could be seen and records available, the School Governing Boards in our schools have dutifully, wonderfully and passionately attended to the various necessities of the schools.
“These include infrastructure, pedagogical issues and personnel. The Boards have been able to effectively harness available resources and goodwill to impact and improve our secondary school system. We thank God Almighty that every stakeholder has played and is assiduously playing the expected role very well.
“As we usher in the new set of Leadership into the School Governing Boards of 643 public secondary schools in the state, I want to urge the new Board Chairmen and Secretaries i.e. Principals to work together harmoniously and selflessly to achieve a total turnaround of our schools.”
SGB members selected to represent the three senatorial zones were presented with symbolic letters of appointment.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the commencement of its Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CBWASSCE) for private candidates, starting from October 25, 2024.
The examination is set to run until December 20, 2024, according to a statement released by the council on Tuesday.
In a bid to modernise the examination process, WAEC disclosed that the CBWASSCE will be conducted in a hybrid format.
Adesina Fadekemi, the council’s spokesperson, explained that the objective or multiple-choice questions would be displayed onscreen, requiring candidates to submit their responses electronically.
However, for essay and practical questions, while the questions will also be presented digitally, candidates will still provide answers using traditional answer booklets.
Additionally, WAEC has provided an option for candidates who prefer to use the conventional Paper and Pen mode for all exam papers, catering to those not comfortable with the digital format.
The council also extended the registration deadline for the upcoming CBWASSCE to Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
Candidates who miss the registration window can still take advantage of the “Walk-in-Candidate” option, allowing them to register 24 hours before their preferred paper is scheduled.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, has reaffirmed his commitment to aiding the Federal Polytechnic Ayede in realising its full potential.
Senator Akintunde made this pledge during a courtesy visit to the institution’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday.
Speaking during the visit, the lawmaker highlighted his passion for contributing to humanity, especially through the advancement of education and skills development.
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“I am part of the polytechnic system. I started at The Polytechnic, Ibadan before going to Lagos State University, Ojoo, Lagos. I’m a lover of knowledge and I am always striving to contribute my quota in the area of education and skills development, among others, and in the legislative assignments as my primary responsibility,” he stated.
The APC chieftain further emphasised his dedication to supporting the Polytechnic and its community, stating that leaders should be driven by a commitment to serving humanity.
He cited the legacy of Hon. Olu Afolabi, a Second Republic House of Representatives member, who was instrumental in establishing the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.
“Afolabi’s legacy remains evergreen today,” Akintunde remarked, emphasising the importance of creating lasting impacts through public service.
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As part of his developmental projects for the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Akintunde disclosed that he had procured 120 solar-powered boreholes to be installed across the 118 wards of the 11 local governments in his senatorial district, along with 10,000 solar street lights.
He assured the Federal Polytechnic Ayede that some of these solar street lights would be installed within the institution to enhance security and visibility on campus.
Earlier, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, who was represented by the acting Rector and Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr. Azeez Ojo, expressed gratitude to the senator.
The Rector noted that Senator Akintunde had demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropic causes even before assuming office as a senator.
“You see, it’s a great privilege receiving Distinguished Senator Yunus Akintunde and his entourage on our campus today. Out of your magnanimity, Sir, you have decided to receive us,” Ojo said, acknowledging the senator’s gesture.
“Our Rector is away to Abuja for the progress and development of our Polytechnic. So, on behalf of the Chairman of our Governing Council, Barrister Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu; Rector; other Principal Officers; Deans; Directors; staff, and students, I welcome you and your entourage to Federal Polytechnic Ayede.
“While on Brave FM, you have, before even telling us, announced the gesture of solar lights donated to us. This we appreciate with the whole of our hearts,” he said.
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The Rector assured the lawmaker that his support would be instrumental in the continued growth and development of the fast-expanding institution.
The visit concluded with the Polytechnic community expressing hope for further collaboration with the senator in the areas of educational and infrastructural development.
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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised serious concerns over the mass exit of 30 PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly known as Bauchi State University, citing deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions as primary reasons for the exodus.
The worrying development was brought to light during a press conference held by ASUU on Friday, where officials of the union detailed the various challenges faced by academic staff at the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the union, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, lamented the lack of proper policies to retain top scholars, pointing out the absence of a formal employee exit policy.
“Many of our best scholars have been forced to seek better opportunities elsewhere,” Timothy said, adding that “SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place, as obtained in the structured public service regulation in the country.”
He further explained that the lack of such provisions leaves academic staff insecure about their future. “Without a pension or death benefit scheme, our members feel unsafe and unsure of their long-term prospects,” Timothy remarked.
In addition to these grievances, the union condemned the university’s administration for its failure to pay over 650 million naira in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners. This has further deepened the discontent among staff members.
“Despite the university generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their contributions,” Timothy disclosed.
The union also raised concerns over the sharp increase in student fees, coupled with the administration’s neglect of staff training and development.
Timothy criticised the university for imposing over a 100 percent hike in fees for regular undergraduate programmes, yet failing to address staff welfare.
“The university claims it lacks funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students,” he stated.
ASUU also expressed displeasure with the continued tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has remained in office since the university’s inception.
The union called for adherence to established regulations governing appointments, arguing that the prolonged tenure has stifled accountability and hindered the implementation of progressive policies.
In light of these critical issues, ASUU urged the Bauchi State Government and other stakeholders to take immediate action to address staff welfare, calling for the establishment of a comprehensive exit policy and the payment of overdue allowances.
“Unless these issues are resolved, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony within SAZU,” Timothy warned.
He further called on the state government to declare a state of emergency at the university to ensure that all contentious matters are urgently addressed, securing the future of both academic staff and the institution.
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