A comprehensive two-day induction and orientation programme for more than 2,000 newly employed teachers in Ondo State has been successfully concluded. The exercise, which took place across six centres in the state’s three senatorial districts, aimed to prepare teachers for deployment to both primary and secondary schools.
Speaking at the official opening in Akure, the state capital, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, underscored the essential role teachers play in raising educational standards. He stressed that the new recruits were specifically engaged to fill existing gaps in rural communities, ensuring equitable access to quality education across the state.
“It is crucial to emphasise that your postings are to underserved areas. Any teacher who refuses deployment to designated communities will have their appointment terminated,” the governor warned.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also highlighted some of his administration’s educational interventions over the past year. These include the construction and renovation of 121 classroom blocks, procurement of 9,870 furniture pieces for students and teachers, and ongoing upgrades in secondary schools and technical colleges.
He urged the new teachers to approach their assignments with seriousness and professionalism, adding that several monitoring teams have been deployed to evaluate teacher attendance and classroom performance.
Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Victor Olabimtan, explained that the induction was organised in collaboration with the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), a leading agency in capacity building for education personnel.
Reflecting on the recruitment process, Olabimtan commended the governor for prioritising the education sector and called for the annual recruitment of at least 500 teachers to address the shortage of manpower in schools. He emphasised that the induction programme was a platform to equip teachers with essential skills for classroom excellence and professional growth.
“Teaching is not merely a job. It is a noble calling that demands passion, commitment, and the readiness to mould the future generation,” Olabimtan stated.
The event featured goodwill messages from key education stakeholders, including representatives of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). All praised the state government for its continued investment in education.
Dr. David Shofoyeke, Acting Director-General of NIEPA, was represented by Dr. Lara Ogunsola, Head of Training and Research. In her remarks, Dr. Ogunsola charged the teachers to take their roles seriously, describing them as mentors, role models, and agents of transformation.
“Your work will leave a lasting legacy. Be intentional, innovative, and enthusiastic in your approach. The students you inspire today will shape tomorrow’s society,” she said.
Dr. Ogunsola, alongside NIEPA’s Dr. Samson Oyeromi and Media Head, Mr. Bodunde Tenabe, visited several induction centres, including St. James Mega Primary School in Akure, St. Patrick Mega Primary School in Ondo, St. Francis Mega Primary School in Owo, Salvation Mega Primary School in Irele, and Community Primary School in Okitipupa.
At each venue, she reiterated the importance of the teachers’ role in the educational development of the state, encouraging them to remain passionate, responsible, and focused on excellence.
The induction was conducted simultaneously in six centres: Akure, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo, Owo, Okitipupa, and Irele, covering all three senatorial districts of Ondo State.
