By Gafar Alabi,

The Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has inducted 104 newly appointed headteachers to fill existing vacancies in Public Primary Schools across the Local Government Education Authorities in the State.

In a keynote address delivered at the induction and capacity-building ceremony at the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Hall, Kuto, Abeokuta, Chairman of the Board, Evangelist Olalekan Ifede said the programme formed part of the ongoing transformation of basic education in the State.

He described the appointment of the headteachers as a demonstration of the confidence the Government and the board have in their professional competence, dedication and capacity to effectively lead Public Primary Schools.

According to him, the quality of leadership provided by the headteachers would directly influence the standard of teaching and learning in their schools.

“The quality of your leadership will directly determine the quality of teaching and learning that takes place in your schools. The performance of a headteacher is ultimately reflected in the performance of the learners in the school,” Ifede said.

He assured the new headteachers that the board remained committed to supporting them and other teachers in delivering quality basic education, stressing that such support must be matched with responsibility, commitment and measurable results.

In his goodwill message, the Permanent Member IV of the Board, Hon. Akeem Balogun urged the inductees to bring innovation into school administration, adding that the efforts of the board under the leadership of Evangelist Ifede must not be in vain, noting that the attainment of Grade Level 17 for public primary school teachers should be justified through improved performance.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr. Femi Fatade explained that the position of headteacher was not only a recognition of experience and dedication to service, but also a call to greater responsibility in shaping the future of learners and strengthening the foundation of basic education.

Speaking on behalf of other Headteachers-General, the Headteacher General of Egba Zone, Mrs. Folake Onabajo, urged the newly inducted officers to see their positions as platforms for service.

She said, a headteacher is not only an administrator, but also a leader, mentor and role model to both teachers and pupils, adding that leadership must promote discipline, professionalism, accountability and strong commitment.

Also delivering a goodwill message, the State Chairman of the Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Comrade Tajudeen Adeosun described the programme as a reflection of the Board’s commitment to capacity building, proper orientation and strengthening leadership at the grassroots level of the education system.

Speaking on the topic, “Effective School Management,” guest speaker and retired Board Secretary of SUBEB, Mr. Olubori Akinleye, stressed that school administration must be handled with a high level of seriousness. He urged the inductees to maintain cordial relationships with teachers and pupils, noting that, this would promote academic excellence.

Akinleye also encouraged them to acquire basic computer skills, particularly for data gathering and administrative efficiency. He further advised them to uphold discipline and accountability, remain empathetic in leadership and ensure that the school environment is safe and protected from unscrupulous elements.

Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Mrs. Fausiyat Banmeke and Mr. Ojo Yekini expressed gratitude to the State government for the elevation, assuring to deliver as expected.