…as Govt Hosts BESDA AF-TESS Implementation Support Mission

Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, on Tuesday, said that the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration is working on  the path of reducing the numbers of out of school children in the State by ten percent.

Prof. Salihu  Adelabu , said this at a 3-Day Support Mission Organized by the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology for three BESDA AF- TESS Beneficiary States, that is Oyo, Adamawa and Kastina, in Collaboration with the World Bank at the University of Ibadan.

The Commissioner explained that all school aged children are expected to have access to quality education, irrespective of their background.

He hinted that the Government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that residents have access to quality education, thereby improving numeracy and literacy levels in the State.

While enumerating the importance of the BESDA  – AF- TESS project, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, revealed that the programme is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal four and Seventeen, that by 2030, education should be for all.

He said further: “This BESDA Additional Financing is targeting four major points. First is access, there should be school for all the school aged children must be in the school.

The other one is quality; that is why we are strengthening the system, we are putting a lot of things in place to make sure that there is access, there is quality and there is improvement in our numeracy and literacy level in the State”.

“In the last administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, 20 percent of our out of school children were back in school, and we are working around 10 percent because we want that to be reduced drastically”

In his remarks, the Commissioner for  Education and Human Capital Development, Adamawa State, Dr. Umar Garba Tella, said concerted Efforts would be made so that the aims and objectives of the program development partners in Adamawa State comes into fruition.

He expressed gratitude to the World Bank for supporting the Government of Adamawa State in its determined efforts to provide the children the right access to acquire quality education, regardless of where they live.

“This project is a performance-based project, two indicators were given to us in Adamawa, and we are happy to partner with the World Bank. Fundamentally, we want a situation whereby there won’t be any child in the State, that is out of school, there won’t be any school without a teacher”

Also speaking, Education Specialist, World Bank, Martin De Simone, hinted that the  intervention was targeted at improving the quality of teaching and learning in basic schools, providing infrastructure and increasing the numbers of classrooms.

He advised participating States to learn from each other and focus largely on how to achieve results within the program life span.

In their separate remarks, the National and Oyo State Project Coordinators, Dr. Mrs. Folake Olatunji David and Dr. Bamidele Odekunle said the program is basically to transform the education system by identifying gaps in the participating States and offering necessary support to bring about inclusive quality education for all and ensure that children with special needs are not being marginalized.

The duo revealed that the purpose of the programme was for the three States to meet and review the level of jobs done by each State and share valuable ideas.

Dr. Odekunle also affirmed that the project has added an immeasurable valve to education standards in Oyo State, noting that over a million children are expected to be mobbed in the streets to schools in the three beneficiary States.

*E-Signed

Media Team, MoES&T,

Oyo State Governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi as Acting Rector of the Ibadan Polytechnic.

This is contained in a statement signed by the State’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Saturday.

The statement stated further, that Dr. Taiwo lasis is to serve in an acting capacity for six months with the effectiveness of 25th March, 2024 till 25th September, 2024.

He explained that the appointment became imperative following the expiration of the tenure of the Prof Kazeem Adebiyi on 24th March, 2024.

He said that the Government looks forward to his hard work, diligence, and professionalism in realizing its mission for the institution.

Dr. Lasis, is a committed academic with wide experience in applied sciences with special skills in Statistics for national development.

He received a Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Statistics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and a Doctorate of Philosophy Degree in Statistics (Time Series Analysis) from the University of Botswana, Botswana, South Africa.

He has a very significant experience working in the administration of academic units in tertiary institutions.

He was a former Dean of Student Affairs and Director of Academic Planning and Control Unit, The Polytechnic Ibadan, among other administrative responsibilities that he has upheld in my academic career.

He lectured at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology as an acting Head of the Department of Statistics to date.

He belongs to two foremost social cultural groups in Ibadan, Ibadan Solidarity Group(ISG) and Ibadan Action Council(IAC), both are affiliates of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes(CCII).

He is happily married and blessed with children.

*E-Signed

Media Team, MoES&T

…as institution graduates 15,920

Oyo State government, Engineer Seyi Makinde on Friday, tasked the polytechnic Ibadan to use its technological training and Know-how to develop Solar power that will serve areas within the institution.

The governor, who was represented by the commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu said Polytechnic/Technical education is the basic foundation for technological development of any nation.

He challenged the institution to do more, especially in the area of technological training, science, innovation, and creativity, which will make the products of the Institution self-employed as well as employers of labour.

He explained that the Polytechnic, Ibadan was the first institution that his administration released the sum of Two Hundred Million Naira (N200,000,000:00) only for the accreditation and re-accreditation of its academic programmes by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

He maintained that the Polytechnic of Ibadan is one of the institutions that brought glory and fame to Oyo State.

He enjoined the graduands to be self-employed as well as employers of labour.

He noted that the students with technological background will not have plans to ‘japa’ but rather join hands with the Government to develop the State.

He stressed that 20.88% has just been budgeted for Education, saying this has shown the commitment his administration has for education.

He therefore, pledged to continue to give moral and financial support for the Polytechnic of Ibadan.

Earlier in his speech, the rector, the polytechnic, Ibadan, Prof Kazeem Adeniyi appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for releasing the sum of two hundred million Naira for the purchase of accreditation equipment and hosting of officials from NBTE.

He explained that a strategic plan of Accelerated Academic, Institutional and Infrastructural Development was developed as a road map to sustainable value creation for operational excellence.

He maintained that his objectives such as expanding the capacity of operations and services; financial stability and sustainability; enhancing infrastructure for effective delivery of the Institution’s mandate were achieved.

He urged all the graduands to protect the name and integrity of the institution wherever they find themselves.

He appreciated the stakeholders and donors who contributed immensely to the promotion of students and the development of the institution.
In his remarks, one of the donors that gave one Million Naira cash award to the best graduating students, Dr.Babatunde Olawore, Director Comfort Eduserve Limited,said the gesture was a demonstration of his commitment to making an impact on the lives and welfare of the students.
He said he will continue to contribute his quota for the development of education in the State.

He called on the graduands to abide by the morals imparted on them to enable them to excel in their fields of endeavours.

The Governor was later commissioned Engineer Seyi Makinde Academic Staff Office Complex and the Institution Radio Reiz 101.9 Fm Radio station.

The Oyo State Government is set to adopt the use of technology-based teaching and learning methods for teachers and students in public primary and secondary schools in the State.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Salihu Adelabu made this known at the Innovation Africa 2023 Africa’s Official Ministerial Summit held at Kigali, Rwanda.

He noted that Governor Makinde led administration has a strong passion to enhance learning and teaching through modern technology.

He stressed the need for adequate use of technology to improve teaching and learning outcomes across all Africa Countries.

The Commissioner for Education, noted that the adoption of ICT to teach in schools would pave the way for innovations and industrial opportunities.

He expressed the readiness of the Oyo State Government to ensure teachers in its public primary and secondary schools are well-trained on Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

He submitted that for teachers to meet with 21st-century education, ICT will become the most important teaching method.

He said: ” Africa is making a remarkable in using technology method approach in teaching and learning in schools.

“It is an emerging approach or technique in Africa, bringing an innovation and technology into teaching and learning in our schools in Africa, we require some major features, the first one is infrastructure, learning application, readiness of teachers, students and other stakeholders, if all these are put in place, it will be easy for Africans to adopt the innovation and technology in teaching and learning in the Countries.

“It is necessary for all African Countries to start using technology to drive teaching and learning in our classrooms, Nigeria is not doing badly because millions of Nigerians are used to android phones, tablets, laptops, desktops and there are other Africa Countries that are doing very well too, such as Tanzanian, South Africa. It is necessary for all African Countries to migrate from the conventional teaching to technology teaching in our classrooms.

“The present administration in Oyo State aims at reforming the State educational system by deploying technology for effective classroom management and optimum performance for teachers and pupils.’

2023 Innovation Africa Summit is firmly established as the continent’s number one high level ministerial forum where industry partners enjoy pre-scheduled meetings and committed engagement with ministers and senior Government officials from over 40 countries. Innovation Africa is designed as a productive and enjoyable meetings-based summit, ensuring high-level engagement between leading education & ICT solution providers and senior Government officials.

Participated in the summit were, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr.Adeniyi Olusanjo, Director of Higher and Continuing Education, Mr. Adewale Oluwole and Director Information and Technology, Engr. Adabanija Raheemat.

Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, has harped on the need for old students of various schools to give back to their alma mater, saying that this will ensure development of the schools.

The commissioner stated this during the commissioning of the Administrative building donated by Mr. Niyi  Gbadegesin to Baptist Grammar School, Otu, Oyo State.

The Commissioner, who said the Education sector must not be left in the hands of Government alone, maintained that by providing support and assistance to their former schools, standards of Education would be improved.

He commended the donor for the laudable project meant to elevate the standard of the school.

Commissioner explained that philanthropists in the State have done a lot to move Education forward by complementing Government efforts in the areas of academic and infrastructural development in schools.

He maintained that the present administration has provided better funding for the Education sector by raising its budgetary expenditure to 23.2% from 16% and increasing the subvention of tertiary institutions in the State to 100%

He therefore appealed to the school management not to relent in their efforts in the monitoring and maintenance of the school infrastructural facilities.

He said: “I feel highly elated to be part of today’s epoch—making occasion of the official commissioning of an administrative block built by Prince Adeniyi Bankole at Baptist Grammar School, Otu, Itesiwaju Local Government.

“From what could be seen and records available, Philanthropists in the State have done a lot to move Education forward by complementing Government efforts in the areas of academic and infrastructural development of our schools. They have helped in the construction of the administrative block, renovation of school buildings, equipping
libraries with books, provision of toilet facilities for students, donation of computers to schools, engagement of the service of security guards in our various schools, to mention a few. For these and others, the present administration in the State remains eternally grateful.

“Let me commend Prince Adeniyi Bankole for the construction of a block of the administrative block — one of the eminent sons of the soil.

“Your support and partnership with the Government in the provision of qualitative education in the State is highly appreciated. In the words of Anne Frank- a German girl and Jewish, victim of the Holocaust, “No one has ever become poor from giving”. Also, Audrey Hepburn opined that “as you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others”.

‘Oyo State, under the able leadership of the Governor, Engr. Abiodun Oluseyi Makinde, FNSE, has shown strong determination in its efforts at the repositioning of the Education sector in the State. These Government’s landmark achievements are numerous to mention.

“The introduction of free and qualitative Education in the State, the regular payment of teacher’s salaries and allowances, the promotion of teachers as and when due, provision of 26,500 pairs of furniture for students, appointment of over 5,000 teachers and 692 Education Officers, purchase of science equipment, sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University, organisation of intervention classes for graduating SSCE students, purchase of textbooks and notebooks for students across the State, and construction of over 50 model classroom buildings.

“Other achievements are: reduction in the number of out of school children by over 25%, reinforcement of Teachers’ quality through training and retraining (ICT, Science Practical, Pedagogical Skills), approval for organizing education awareness day with awards for various categories of stakeholders who did the State proud, upgrading of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education to University of Education and sole ownership of LAUTECH. In addition, the University was expanded to a multi-campus status starting with the Faculty of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin Campus, and the state university was increased from one to three and lots more.”

The State Government is therefore imploring other stakeholders in the society, for example: Old Students’ Association, Corporate organizations, non-government organizations, individuals, philanthropists, and Parent Association to partner with her in the funding of Education in the State.

“I wish to boldly affirm that Oyo State Government is glad to identify with Prince Adeniyi Bankole and the Government shall continue to synergize with any individual, organisations and Associations whose goals are designed to promote the development of Education in the State.

“I want to appeal to the school management not to relent in their efforts in the monitoring and maintenance of the school infrastructural facilities as well as the facilities that are being commissioned today, 23rd November, 2023,” he added.

Earlier, the principal of the School, Mr Egunsola Oladele appreciated the donor, Mr. Niyi Bankole, who graduated from the School in 1988 and donated the building in loving memory of His Royal Highness, Oba Jonathan Gbadegesin, Oniro of Otu (1983-2001) and Olori Beatrice Bankole for their love for Education.

In his remarks, the Oniro of Otu, His Royal Highness, Oba Sunday Adepoju, thanked the donor for deeming it fit to build the edifice to his former school, saying that it would go a long way in assisting the school.

He therefore called on others to emulate the good gesture of the donor.

Speaking on behalf of the donor, who is presently in Canada, Arch Dare Gbadegesin, said the donor is a lover of Education and that was why he decided to give back to his Former school.

He hinted that the donor will continue to bring development to his former school.