Gafar Alabi,

 Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has trained school administrators across the 20 Local Government Education Authorities on effective supervision and implementation of the Jolly Phonics approach to literacy in Public Primary Schools.

The 2-day capacity development programme, at Imo Methodist Primary School, Oke-Yeke, Abeokuta, was themed ‘Building Stronger Literacy Outcomes Through Effective Supervision and Implementation of Jolly Phonics’.

Declaring the programme open, the Chairman of SUBEB, Evang. Olalekan Ifede, said the training was designed to improve learning outcomes in Public Primary Schools across the State, particularly in phonics and handwriting.

Ifede, described the training as crucial ahead of the resumption of the new academic session, stressing the need to equip education administrators with the knowledge required to effectively supervise the implementation of literacy programmes.

He appreciated the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for approving intervention funds for the construction and rehabilitation of schools as well as the provision of instructional materials.

The SUBEB Boss urged participants to justify  government's investment in education by improving learning outcomes and intensifying efforts to increase enrollment in public schools.

Also speaking, Permanent Member IV of the Board, Rt. Hon. Akeem Balogun, urged participants to pay close attention to the sessions, ask relevant questions and ensure that the knowledge gained was replicated among other education personnel in their respective LGAs.

He noted that acquiring the necessary technical knowledge would enhance the participants' ability to effectively discharge their duties and contribute to improved academic performance in public schools.

Earlier, the Director of Teacher Development, Mr. Kola Adagojo, explained that the training was aimed at equipping education administrators with strategies for achieving effective learning outcomes, particularly ensuring that pupils could read, write and communicate effectively.

The first facilitator, Proprietress of Frontliners Kiddies Nursery and Primary School, Illisan Remo, Mrs. Bamidele Ifede, emphasised the importance of proper pronunciation of sounds, identification of letters and appropriate use of writing lines in improving pupils' writing abilities. She also advised teachers to group learners according to their abilities in the classroom to facilitate effective learning and promote academic excellence.

The second facilitator, a lecturer at Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Omu-Ijebu, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Odusote, stressed the importance of using two-dimensional lines to help learners develop legible handwriting, urging participants to adhere to established rules and techniques of writing.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, the Head of Academic and School Services, Sagamu LGA, Mrs. Morayo Rabiu, and Deputy Director, Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Mr. Olaide Tijani, commended SUBEB for organising the training.

 They expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen supervision and ultimately contribute to improved academic performance among learners in Ogun State Public Primary Schools.

Participants included; members of the SUBEB Board, Education Directors and their Deputies as well as Heads of Academic and School Services across the 20 LGAs.