By: Gafar Alabi

Headteachers in Ogun State public primary schools have been described as administrators of learning institutions, architects of young destinies and catalysts for societal change.

 Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, made this known while delivering his address at the State Delegate Conference of the Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Ogun State Chapter, at the Sagamu Local Government Education Authority Multi-Purpose Hall, Sagamu.

The event, themed “Transforming Minds, Empowering Behaviours - 21st Century Perspectives,” brought together education stakeholders from across the state.

Evangelist Ifede noted that the transformation desired in classrooms began with the leadership and the Headteachers were on the spotlight for this, where competence was highly required to make the dream of national development become reality root.

“As instructional leaders, you are entrusted with nurturing not only knowledge but also curiosity, creativity and character. Therefore, I charge you today to approach your duties with renewed passion, professional integrity and unwavering commitment,” Ifede said.

He urged Headteachers to make their schools, centres of learning excellence, where pupils could confidently compete with their counterparts in private institutions, particularly in reading fluency, writing skills, critical thinking, comprehension, and effective expression.

Ifede commended the leadership and members of AOPSHON for organising the intellectually enriching conference, expressing confidence that the insights gained would empower Headteachers to transform their schools into vibrant centres of excellence and moral reawakening.

In his goodwill message, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Sewakanu Noah, emphasised that the theme underscored the importance of equipping individuals with the skills, mindset, and values required to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

He urged participants to reflect on how they could collectively contribute to building a more resilient, empathetic and empowered society, while also calling for greater cooperation and support from AOPSHON to drive innovation, collaboration and progress in the education sector.

Earlier, the State Chairman of AOPSHON, Comrade Folake Onabajo, described the theme as both inspiring and timely, noted that transformation began from within, saying that  ‘‘when behaviours are renewed, positive changes become inevitable."

She encouraged educators to continually develop themselves to meet the demands of 21st-century education, not only by acquiring knowledge but also by demonstrating integrity, discipline and the right attitude.

Onabajo also appreciated the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration for its numerous achievements and unwavering support for the education sector.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to notable personalities for their immense contributions to the development of education in Ogun State.