Gafar Alabi 

Headteachers in Public Primary Schools across Ogun State, have been urged to embrace modern educational realities, including digital learning, data-driven decision-making as well as inclusive education and effective stakeholder engagement.

Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evang. Olalekan Ifede, gave the charge while delivering his goodwill message at the 2026 State Delegates Conference organised by the Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), themed: ‘Strengthening Leadership for Quality Basic Education in a Changing World’, at the NUT Hall, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Ifede, explained that achieving quality basic education required purposeful and transformational leadership at the school level, noting that such leadership required headteachers who were adaptable, innovative, disciplined and committed to continuous professional development.

He further encouraged participants to utilise the conference as a platform to exchange ideas, strengthen professional networks and develop innovative strategies that would enhance educational leadership across Public Primary Schools in the State.

Also speaking, the State AOPSHON Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Adeosun, stated that the association had consistently organised conferences to train members, brainstorm and adopt resolutions aimed at improving educational development in the State.

He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his significant contributions to the education sector and teachers’ welfare, including the promotion of teaching and non-teaching staff up to 2024, payment of leave allowances, regular payment of salaries, among others.

In her welcome address, the AOPSHON Chairman in Abeokuta South, Mrs. Oluwakemi Sodeke, emphasised that quality basic education in the contemporary era required continuous capacity building, noting that school leadership transcended beyond maintaining discipline, taking attendance and handling routine administrative tasks.

According to her, “A successful headteacher today must be a visionary strategist, an empathetic mentor, an instructional leader and a community builder. We must deliberately equip ourselves with modern administrative skills, emotional intelligence and a strong understanding of data-driven decision-making to effectively navigate these complex times,”

Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards of excellence to the SUBEB Chairman, Evang. Olalekan Ifede and other distinguished personalities in recognition of their contributions to the development of the education sector in Ogun State.