By: Gafar Alabi,

The Ogun State Government, through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has conducted a promotion exercise for Grade Level 17 teachers in public primary schools across the State, marking a major policy milestone in the basic education sector.

Recall that Governor Dapo Abiodun recently approved the extension of Grade Level 17 to eligible primary school teachers, enabling them to attain the peak of their career within the public service structure. The process commenced with the conduct of interviews for qualified Grade Level 16 officers at the SUBEB Conference Room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Speaking during the exercise, Chairman of Ogun SUBEB, Evang. Olalekan Ifede, described the commencement of the process as a clear demonstration of the State government’s commitment to teachers’ welfare, career progression and institutional equity within the education system.

He explained that the interview was not merely a routine promotion exercise but part of a broader reform to formally integrate Grade Level 17 into the career pathway of primary school teachers in Ogun State.

According to him, the development corrects a long-standing structural limitation and places primary education professionals on a more competitive and motivating footing.

Also speaking, Permanent Member I of the Board, Hon. Isiaka Aderounmu, described the exercise as historic, noting that it affirms the evolving status of primary school teaching as a full professional career with clear progression to its peak.

He added that the approval and its implementation underscore the government’s recognition of the critical role teachers played in national development.

In his remarks, the Board Secretary, Mr. Olubori Akinleye, stated that the formalisation process reflects a deliberate policy choice by the State government to reward experience, qualifications and years of service, urging candidates to justify the confidence reposed in them through renewed dedication, professionalism and ethical leadership.

Responding on behalf of the candidates, State Secretary of the Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Mr. Olabode Oladele, expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government and SUBEB for approving the policy and commencing its implementation.

He pledged that Headteachers would reciprocate the gesture through improved service delivery and stronger school management across the State.