…as Govt vows to deal with perpetrators

Oyo State Government has expressed its readiness to partner with the Gender Mobile Initiative to reduce cases of sexual harassment and other vices in State’s Owned Tertiary Institutions through technology.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abdulwaheed Adelabu disclosed this on Thursday at A One—Day Stakeholders’ Meeting with Education Commissioner on Dissemination, Adaptation, and Implementation of Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy in Tertiary Institutions in Oyo State, held at the Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Speaking further at the meeting organized by the Education Ministry and Gender Mobile Initiative, Prof. Adelabu, said the Ministry together with the organization would design a framework that will complement the existing policies of each public tertiary institution in respect to sexual harassment.

He added that the introduction of technology would assist greatly in tracking perpetrators of sexual harassment in the Institutions and activities of individuals on campuses.

The commissioner openned that lecturers are expected to see their students as biological children and treat them in such a manner.

He submitted that sometimes students deliberately harass their lecturers sexually through various means, calling on both to desist from the act.

Prof. Adelabu revealed that the Governor Seyi Makinde administration would support the organization that is ready to work with Government in achieving its desires goals and objectives.

He noted that the Government will not spare anyone caught engaging in sexual harassment and other vices but deal with them accordingly.

The convener, Barrister Omowumi Ogunrotimi, said the organization sees the need to sensitize and educate the people about what constitutes sexual harassment and ways of preventing the menace, particularly among students of tertiary Institutions.

She hinted that about 70% of undergraduates experienced sexual harassment, adding that the Gender Mobile Applications provides a clear reporting channel for victims of sexual harassment to reach the leaderships of concerned Institutions.

She harped on the need for the leadership of tertiary Institutions to integrate sexual harassment preventive mechanisms into their framework and also leverage on technology.

While appreciating the Oyo State Government for the unalloyed support, Ogunrotimi said work would commence with the heads of tertiary Institutions in the State using the model policy on sexual harassment prevention approved by the federal ministry of education.

Commending the leadership of Education ministry and the convener of the programme, member, Oyo State house of assembly, Hon. Bisi Oluranti Michael, advised the students to stay away from indecent

dressing, particularly the female students, saying this would prevent them from becoming victims of sexual harassment or rape.

*E-Signed

Media Team of MoES&T*

…as Bishop Phillips Academy Emerges Champions

Oyo State Government on Tuesday, reiterated its commitment to continue to discover hidden talents in the State through promotion of Sporting Activities.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu stated this at the final match of 2024 edition of the Oyo Governor’s Cup, played at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba Ibadan.

The Commissioner explained that the State Government has not only given a voice and a face to football talents across the State, but also providing hope and a veritable platform of success for the numerous talents that are being discovered through school Sports.

He commended the Organisers of the Football Competition, (Peculair Ultimate Concerns Ltd), noting that, the door is open to any company willing to partner the Government in developing the sport activities in the State.

Earlier in his remarks,

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of School Sports Foundation, Yomi Elijah appreciated everyone that supported the initiative and vowed to make the Competition get bigger and better in the next edition.

At the end of the final match, Bishop Phillips Academy, Ibadan, defeated Bashorun High School, 4 – 0 to emerge champions.

Over 200 teams participated in the 2024 Oyo Governor’s Cup, with Olanipekun Memorial High School emerging winners of the Third Place after defeating Government College Ibadan, 2-0.

The event had in attendance, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, Ex-Super Eagles Midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju, Oyo State FA Chairman, HRM, Oba James Odeniran, Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Project Manager, Engineer Lekan Olarenwaju, Tunde Adesanya, Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports Development, Mrs. Oladipo Olubukola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of youths and Sports and many other dignitaries.

The Competition is an initiative of the Schools Sports Foundation, headed by Yomi Elijah, a UK trained Football Coach and former Coach of Remo Stars, Lobi Stars, ABS FC, Kogi United and is proudly sponsored by Peculiar Ultimate Concerns.

Other partners were Olafiranye Sports Foundation, the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sports, Oyo State Sports Council, Kidzfoot Nigeria and others.

E-Signed

Media Team MoES&T,

Oyo State Governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Professor Razaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology LAUTECH Ogbomoso.

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 Tuesday.

The statement stated further, that Prof. Kalilu is to serve as a Substantive Vice Chancellor for a single term of five years with effect from 12th June, 2024.

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

Prof Kalilus’s a well-established figure in the world of art and art history.

He joined the service of LAUTECH on September 1, 1992 and was pronounced a Professor of Arts and Arts History in the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, twenty-four years ago on October 1, 1999 and was appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor on June 12, 2023.

Kalilu, an alumnus of the prestigious University of Ife and the University of Ibadan, is a polymath and specialist in Form and Material Technology.

His administrative skills and leadership experiences are intense, integrous and ambidextrous.

Among the numerous academic leadership positions he held, he was Head of Department of Fine and Applied Arts from 1998 to 2003; Dean of Faculty of Environmental Sciences from 2003 to 2006 and again from 2012 to 2016; Chairman, Committee of Deans in 2004; and from 2004 to 2006 the Chairman, Committee of Deans and Provosts, he was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of LAUTECH between 2006 and 2008.

Professor Kalilu is a recipient of many national and international prizes and awards, which include: the Gold Medal in the 1978 – 1979 All Africa Painting Contest; Elected Membership of the New York Academy of Sciences in recognition of his contributions to Science and Technology; Merit Prize in International Postage Stamp Design Contest in 1997; the Outstanding People of the 20th Century Outstanding Achievement Medal in 2000; and the Twentieth Century Achievement Award in 2001.

His other prizes and awards include his selection as one of the 1000 Leaders of World Influence for the 21st century in year 2000, and the distinguished and exceptional Universal Award of Accomplishment in 2000. Furthermore, he received the Development in Nigeria Merit Award in 2006.

Professor Rom Kalilu is a member of several academic and intellectual organizations which include the Australian Ceramic Society, and the International Association of Astronomical Artists and is a Fellow of the Society of Nigerian Artists.

Furthermore, he is a Justice of the Peace of Oyo State. Professor Razaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu hails from Ogbomoso and is married with children.

*E-Signed

Media Team MoES&T

Oyo State Better Education Service Delivery for All Additional Financing -Transforming Education Services Delivery (BESDA AF-TESS), on Wednesday, distributed Thirty -Three Motorcycles to School Support Officers (SSO) across all the local Government areas of the State for easy access to hard to reach schools.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu while presenting the keys of the motorcycles to school support officers from the beneficiaries MDAs, which includes, TESCOM, SUBEB and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, at Ministry’s Car Park, Agodi, Secretariat, Ibadan, reiterated the commitment of the present administration to reduce numbers of out of School Children in the State.

Prof. Adelabu noted that the Oyo State Government, with support from the World Bank, is working assiduously to strengthen the educational system in the State and also improve the performances of the students in four key subjects.

The Commissioner explained that the motorcycles will enable the school support officers to cover the schools within the cities and rural areas during monitoring and data gathering in relation to out of school children and other important areas.

He added that part of the agenda of the state government and World Bank under the BESDA project is to ensure there is an improvement in the teaching and learning process of the English language, Mathematics, Science, and Information Communication Technology in public schools in the State.

He revealed that plans are under way to construct a block of classrooms, toilets, and other essential facilities in the selected schools in the State under the BESDA AF- TESS 2024 work plan.

In his remarks, the State’s Coordinator of BESDA-AF-TESS, Dr. Bamidele Odekunle, said the motorcycles distributed are not palliatives but an intervention to improve and strengthen the education system in the State.

He explained that there are four subjects (Mathematics, English Language, ICT, Basic Science and Technology) that need to improve upon across the State.

Odekunle said that the supervisors will be moving round the nooks and crannies of the State to ensure that the teachers handling the four subjects are well tutored and get the required skills for the job.

He hinted that there are some schools that are difficult to reach by vehicles; hence, there is a need for the distribution of the motorcycles to aid easy access and coverage of these schools by designated officers.

He appreciated the Global Partnership for Education and the World Bank for adding value to the education sector of the State, assuring that collective goals of involved  partners would be achieved within the stipulated time.

Earlier, the BESDA AF- TESS steering committee had a meeting for the first quarter of the year at the conference room of the ministry of education, where 2023 implementation activities were reviewed.

The meeting had in attendance the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, Chairman, Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Pastor Akinade Alamu; Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Adeniran; Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Intervention, Oloye Suraj Tiamy and a host of others.

E-Signed

Media Team,

MoES&T

…as Education Ministry organises roundtable discussion

The Oyo State Government, on Tuesday, expressed its readiness to chart new ways towards a sustainable approach to advance the scope of Education in the State.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, stated this while speaking at the roundtable discussion with Chairmen of the Governing councils, heads of institutions, registrars, bursars and Librarians of Oyo State owned Tertiary Institutions, held at the lead City University, Ibadan.

He noted that the roundtable discussion was organized by the ministry of Education, Science and Technology, meant to redesign another method for Education advancement in the State.

He called for synergy between the Governing Councils and Managements of State-owned tertiary institutions to enable the universities, polytechnics, and colleges of Education across the State to achieve their core mandates.

He charged the leadership of institutions to come up with initiatives that would attract funding from donor agencies and other organizations, adding that tertiary institutions must be proactive in the development of their institutions.

The Commissioner noted that the visitor to the University and Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, places a high premium on the attainment of qualitative Education.

In their separate presentations, the Chairman, Governing Council, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Prof.’Deji Omole, discussed “on the Operational System in Tertiary Institutions”,explained that there is a need for synergy among the university managers from Pro-Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, other Officers, staff and students.

He also discussed various functions and responsibilities of stakeholders, including Alumni and community, who own the public universities.

While delivering his lecture on “Alternative funding opportunities”,

the Chairman, Governing Council, OYSCATECH, Igbo Ora, Prof Lateef Sanni, submitted that the Government alone cannot fund ducation.

The Don explained that there should be interconnectivity among all the tertiary institutions in the State.

He therefore called for the establishment of Oyo State Corporate Education Task Fund, adding that institutions should source for donors that can come to their aid.

The last presenter, Prof Segun Ajiboye, who was represented by Mr. Ibukun Atere, discussed “enhancing capacity building in basic and secondary schools.”

He explained that the Education sector has been persistent in expressing concern about the dwindling quality of primary and secondary education in Nigeria, which seems to be attributed to the perceived inadequacies in teachers’ capacity building and productivity.

He maintained that a tertiary institution needs to be digital inclusive in terms of practice.

He said there is a need for training and retraining of teachers in schools for effective delivery of their services.

Also in attendance were Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Lead City University, Prof. Jide Owoeye, Vice-Chancellor, Lead City University, Prof. Kabiru Adeyemo, the Registrar, Dr (Mrs) Oyebola Ayeni, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Olusanjo Adeniyi, Director, Higher and Continuing Education, Mr.Adewale  Oluwole and a host of others.

*E -Signed

Media Team,

MoES&T

…warns Principals, Teachers Against Collection of Illegal Fees

Oyo State Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, on Monday, described the level of compliance of Teachers and Students in resumption to the second term school calendar in the State as impressive.

The Commissioner stated this while monitoring the resumption of the schools for the second
term academic activities in Ibadan metropolis, warned principals and teachers to desist from collecting illegal fees from students and parents, reiterating that education is free from Primary to Secondary Schools in Oyo State.

Prof. Adelabu, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Adeniyi Olusanjo and directors from the ministry, encouraged students to face their study squarely and Teachers to act professionally by bringing creativity and innovation into their teaching methods.

He explained that principals and teachers in all schools monitored were actively on ground for academic activities.

He urged parents who are yet to release their wards to quickly release them as academic activities have begun in earnest, saying that keeping them back home will put them at a disadvantaged position among their colleagues.

He said: ‘Today is the first day of resumption in our public Primary and Secondary Schools in Oyo State.

The enthusiasm of the Teachers and Students is very okay; luckily enough, bases on what I have seen, not less than 70% of our Students resumed and almost 97% of the staff are in the Schools.

” With the morale of Teachers and Students, the second will be a fruitful section for both the students and the Teachers.

“I will encourage the Students to sit tight and face their study squarely, and the Teachers should act professionally by bringing creativity and innovation into their teaching methods.

“I want to warn the Teachers that never must they charge the students and parents because Education is free in Oyo State, also to the parents whose their Children are yet to come, should allow them to come to school as teachings and learnings have commenced in the Schools.

“Schools monitored by the Commissioner and his team included: Oba Akibiyi Model School, Mokola, St. Louis Grammar School, Mokola, Government Secondary School, Orita-Aperin, Ibadan and a host of others.