The Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has welcomed 104 recently appointed headteachers to fill available positions in Public Primary Schools throughout the Local Government Education Authorities within the state.
During a keynote speech given at the induction and capacity-building event at the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Hall, Kuto, Abeokuta, the Chairman of the Board, Olalekan Ifede, stated that the initiative is part of the ongoing enhancement of basic education in the State.
He characterized the selection of the headteachers as a sign of the trust the Government and the board have in their professional expertise, commitment, and capability to effectively oversee Public Primary Schools.
According to him, the caliber of leadership provided by the headteachers would have a direct impact on the quality of teaching and learning within their schools.
He reassured the new headteachers that the board remains dedicated to assisting them and other educators in providing quality basic education, emphasizing that such assistance must be accompanied by responsibility, dedication, and measurable outcomes.
“The caliber of your leadership will directly dictate the quality of teaching and learning that occurs in your schools. The achievements of a headteacher are ultimately reflected in the achievements of the learners within the school,” Ifede remarked.
In his goodwill address, the Permanent Member IV of the Board, Akeem Balogun, urged the inductees to introduce innovation into school management, adding that the efforts of the board under Ifede’s leadership must not go unfulfilled, noting that the attainment of Grade Level 17 for public primary school educators should be validated through enhanced performance.
Speaking on behalf of other Headteachers-General, the Headteacher General of Egba Zone, Mrs. Folake Onabajo, encouraged the newly inducted officials to view their roles as mediums for service.
She stated that a headteacher is not merely an administrator but also a leader, mentor, and role model to both educators and students, emphasizing that leadership should foster 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, termed the program as a manifestation of the Board’s dedication to capacity enhancement, appropriate orientation, and the fortification of leadership at the foundational level of the educational framework.
Meanwhile, the guest speaker and retired Board Secretary of SUBEB, Mr. Olubori Akinleye, emphasized that school management must be approached with a high degree of seriousness, urging the inductees to maintain positive relationships with educators and students, as it would foster academic excellence.
Akinleye, while discussing the theme, “Effective School Management,” also encouraged them to develop fundamental computer skills, especially for data collection and administrative efficiency.
He further counseled them to uphold discipline and accountability, remain compassionate in leadership, and ensure that the school environment is secure and protected from unscrupulous individuals.
