Gafar Alabi 

The Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has inducted 156 headteachers drawn from across the three Senatorial districts of the State.

Speaking at the induction ceremony at NUT Hall, Kuto, Abeokuta, Chairman, Ogun SUBEB, Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, said the elevation of the inductees was not only a recognition of their past dedication and commitment but also a call to greater responsibility and service in shaping the future of learners and education system.

“Headship is a position of trust, leadership, and stewardship. As the Head of a School, you are not only an administrator but also a mentor, a guide, and an inspiration to both teachers and pupils. Your role is pivotal in driving the vision of government towards raising the standard of basic education in Ogun State,” Ifede stated.

He stressed that one of their foremost responsibilities was to ensure that learners in public primary schools acquire the fundamental skills of reading and writing, describing them as the bedrock of all learning.

“A child who cannot read and write effectively will struggle in every other subject,” he affirmed.

The Chairman further enjoined the new headteachers to implement strategies that would promote literacy, such as organising reading clubs, encouraging class libraries, monitoring teachers’ lesson delivery and ensuring no child is left behind.

He advised them to supervise teachers effectively by ensuring punctuality, discipline, and classroom management, while fostering an atmosphere of collaboration.

“Supervision should not be about fault-finding alone, but about guidance, mentoring, and continuous improvement,” he added.

Also speaking, Permanent Member IV of the Board, Rt. Hon. Akeem Balogun, charged the inductees to build strong relationships with host communities by engaging opinion leaders, old students, philanthropists, and other stakeholders in pursuit of educational development.

In his goodwill message, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Noah Sewakanu, urged the inductees to shun rivalry, comparison and witch-hunting, advising them to use their new positions to encourage, motivate and correct with love.

Delivering a lecture on The Vision and Mission of the School, the retired Director of Quality Assurance and resource person at the event, Mr. Segun Alade, stressed the importance of having a clear vision and mission, with strong community engagement to guide school development.

The Chairman of the Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria (APSHON), Ogun State Chapter, Comrade (Mrs.) Folake Onabajo, represented by the Secretary, Comrade Olabode Oladele, also charged the inductees to lead with integrity, fairness and dedication. She urged them to work in unity with their teachers, inspire learners, and foster cordial relationships with parents and stakeholders.

Responding on behalf of the inductees, Mrs. Toyin Olubunmi from Egba and Mr. Ebenezer Ojeleye from Yewa Divisions expressed gratitude to the Board for the recognition and promised to discharge their duties diligently.