By: Gafar Alabi 

The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to prioritising education through improved teacher recruitment, infrastructural development, digital learning initiatives and sustained collaboration with stakeholders.

 Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, stated this during a Teach for Nigeria (TFN) stakeholders’ engagement session at Abeokuta Grammar School, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.

The meeting reaffirmed the State’s resolve to enhance learning outcomes through innovation and strategic partnerships.

Represented by the Director of Education Quality Assurance, Mrs. Christianah Olusoga, Evangelist Ifede assured the organisation of continuous government support, particularly in the annual placement of 200 TFN fellows across the State’s 20 local government areas.

He emphasised that teachers’ development initiatives, such as TFN’s “Be the Change” programme, should be sustained beyond the fellowship period due to their positive impact on education quality in the State.

    “The Ogun State Government recognises education as the foundation for sustainable development. We will continue to invest in teachers’ training, digital learning and infrastructure to ensure our schools remain centers of excellence,” Ifede stated.

He commended TFN for its consistency and innovative approach to teaching, describing the organisation as a valuable partner in the State’s educational advancement.

In her welcome address, Teach for Nigeria CEO, Mrs. Molade Adeniyi, expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun and other stakeholders for their unwavering support.

She explained that the engagement was aimed at gathering feedback from partners and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and strengthen collaboration in advancing education across the State.

Also speaking, TFN Programme Director, Mrs. Abosede Ogidan, highlighted Ogun state’s pioneering role in the initiative, noting that TFN began operations in the State in 2017 and has since deployed over 1,900 fellows to various schools.

She commended the State government for retaining 40 percent of TFN alumni as permanent teachers and appreciated the cooperation of TESCOM, SUBEB and other education stakeholders.

Ogidan also urged school administrators to provide an enabling environment for fellows to perform effectively.

Contributing, the Headteacher of Methodist Primary School, Fadageri, Odeda, Mr. Akeem Bamgbola, said TFN training had helped his school improve security through community-supported perimeter fencing and the establishment of a readers’ club to enhance pupils’ reading culture. He suggested that TFN be involved in training newly appointed OgunTeach interns.

Similarly, a parent, Mr. Ademola Kazeem, and a teacher, Mr. Olanrewaju Bolarinwa, commended TFN for its creativity, modern teaching methods and innovative lessons such as recycling for wealth creation.