The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has begun a verification exercise of all Better Education Service for All (BESDA) focused centres in Oyo State.

Speaking at the flag-off of a 5-day training of NBS Enumerators in Ibadan today, the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran said the Board would collaborate with NBS to ensure a hitch-free exercise in the State.

Adeniran said his office, in partnership with office of the Statistician General of the State, would ensure the enumerators have unhindered access to the 21 BESDA focus Local Government Areas in the State, adding that this will assist the government in attaining its aim to eradicate Out-Of-School Children menace in the State.

“We assure the NBS management that the State Government, through the Board will accord the verification agents all the necessary support and information they may require”, he said.

Adeniran added that the State Government will ensure pupils in affected BESDA focus-schools stay back, despite the holidays, during the verification exercise, to ease the process.

“BESDA is a programme-for-result, funded by the World Bank to support increase in access to basic education by raising equitable access for Out-Of-School Children (OOSC), improve literacy and strengthen accountability for results in basic education in Nigeria. We are determined to make it work in Oyo State”, Adeniran said.

Adeniran noted that the State is ready for NBS visitation in the selected schools across the state, to verify the authenticity of records kept by the implementing schools.

He added that the Board will also provide data for the assessment of four Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) on which the state would be rewarded.

“We welcome the NBS team and its Enumerators. This particular exercise, which is the second Phase, would be conducted in the 21 BESDA focus LGAs in our State”, he said.

Speaking earlier, the South-West Zonal Controller, NBS, Mr. Bayo Okunuga hinted that the trained enumerators, who are also referred to as NBS verification agents, would be deployed across various local governments to collect data.

He thanked the Oyo State Government for its commitment towards the success of BESDA and NBS’ verification in the State.

Also in attendance were the Statistician General of Oyo State, Mr. Adekunle Teslim Adejuwon; the Coordinating Director of OYOSUBEB, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye and other management team of the Board.

E-signed:

Olamide Adeniji,

Head, Media Team, 

Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board.

The Oyo State Government has reinstated 129 public primary school teachers, unlawfully sacked by the previous administration.

The Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran stated this today, while congratulating the teachers.

He said the Executive Council of Oyo State has approved that a total of 129 officers wrongly dismissed by the Oyo State Government between 2011 and 2019 for reinstatement, subject to agreeing not to demand for arrears payment for the period they were away which the State converted to leave of absence.

Adeniran appreciated the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his kindness and selfless consideration in administering the Pacesetter State.

He noted that the recent reinstatement of the State’s 129 school teachers who were fired by the previous administration, is a symbolic achievement that cannot be neglected.

“This is a plus for the education sector. Apart from being an addition to the dwindling number of teachers in the public primary sector, thousands of family dependents who have been subjected to untold economic hardship due to the layoff of their breadwinners will now have a new lease of life”, Adeniran said.

Adeniran therefore called on teachers in the State to reciprocate Makinde’s gesture, through commitment to duties and redoubling their dedication to work.

He also called on them to key into the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration’s goal to change the narratives in the education sector of the State.

E-signed:

Olamide Adeniji,

Head, Media Team, 

Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board.

…Promises to End Out-of-School Children Roaming the Streets

The Executive Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran has clinched the ‘Exemplary Performance of the Year 2021’ Award at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Pen Night, which took place over the weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State.

A statement by the Board’s Media team, said that the award by NUJ was in recognition of Adeniran’s exceptional performance in developing the Basic Education sector in the State.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman, NUJ, Oyo Council, Comrade Ademola Babalola described Adeniran as a forthright administrator, whose acts of big heart has inked his name indelibly in the sands of time within the education system of Oyo State and Nigeria, at large.

He also praised Dr. Adeniran for the laudable work OYOSUBEB has been doing, which includes enrolment of out-of-school children; construction of Model School buildings; Renovation of schools; provision of basic facilities; and coordinating basic education in the State.

In his award acceptance speech, Dr. Adeniran lauded the Nigeria Union of Journalists and dedicated the award to his principal, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who he said gave him the enabling environment to operate at the Board.

“I want to thank NUJ for this award and I dedicate this award to God Almighty who gave me the courage and strength to perform at the Board I supervise. I also want to dedicate the award to my Principal, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who has given me and other appointees the enabling environment to perform in our various portfolios”, Adeniran said.

The Adult Education expert, who used the opportunity to also thank Board members and management team of the Board, noted that the present crop of leaders at OYOSUBEB would not rest until they ensure the basic education system is left better than the present administration met it.

He, however, promised to change the ugly trend of school children roaming the streets, adding that the ongoing Better Education Service Delivery for All programme is addressing this menace.

e-signed:

Media Team, 

Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board.

The Oyo State Government on Wednesday released the promotion of over 16,500 public primary school teachers across the 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

The Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Nureni Adeniran, disclosed this during a symbolic presentation of the letters in Ibadan, the state capital.

Dr. Adeniran therefore charged the teachers to redouble their efforts, saying the State Government is committed and passionate about their welfare.

Adeniran, who told newsmen at the event that the teachers had spent some years without promotion before the present administration’s assumption of office in 2019, said that the teachers were promoted based on the instructions of Gov. Seyi Makinde.

Dr. Adeniran who affirmed that the promotion exercise is part of efforts by the present Government to boost education in the State.

“When Governor Makinde assumed office, he promised to give priority to education and today, we have adopted measures to improve the standard of education in the state”, he said.

Dr. Adeniran commended the foresight of Governor Seyi Makinde and his political will to transform the education sector in the state.

“Today, this Government has approved and commenced distribution of promotion letters to over 16,500 public primary teachers in the State”.

“The welfare of teachers is taken very seriously by the Gov. Seyi Makinde-led administration, salaries of teachers are paid as at when due.

Adeniran, who noted that the Government is aware that recruitment of teachers would address the problems of inadequate manpower in the basic education sub-sector and promote teaching and learning, urged stakeholders to exercise more patience.

He stressed that soon, after resolving some bottlenecks, the Oyo state Government will employ primary school teachers with professional teaching qualifications, based on merit.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, (NUT) Oyo State chapter and the Chairman, Association of Primary School Head-teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Comrade Toju Adedoyin and Comrade Kunle Adedeji commended the State Government for the promotion of teachers in the State.

They said that the promotion would boost the morale of teachers in the State, adding that it will promote teaching and learning.

e-signed:

Media Team,

Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board.

The Oyo State Government has applauded the steadfastness and dedication of teachers in the State, as countries celebrate the 2021 World Teachers’ Day.

This was contained in release by the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Adeniran, in Ibadan.

Dr. Adeniran acknowledged the immense contributions of Teachers to the overall growth and development of the Education sector of the State, and the growth of the younger generation.

He reiterated the commitment of the Engr. Seyi Makinde led administration to the welfare of teachers, especially in the areas of training and re-training, prompt payment of salaries and conducive environment for teaching and learning in public schools.

He said the ongoing UBEC/SUBEB Intervention Projects in the State are part of Government’s commitment to developmental projects the Government is putting in place to ensure teachers’ and students’ wellbeing.

“We commend our teachers, who have been performing well in the State. This is being measured by the performance of our students both in the Internal and External Examinations, National and International Competitions.

We urge them to put in more efforts, take their jobs very seriously and stay committed because they remain the mirror with which students view themselves”.

The Chairman also commended Governor Seyi Makinde who recently recruited 5,000 Teachers into the Teaching Service Commission, while the Primary Sector also awaits his approval for recruitment of teachers.

Adeniran said that the recruitment exercise in the Education sector will improve the quality of teaching and learning in the State’s Public schools.

He therefore, called on teachers in the State to renew their commitment to hard work, place a premium on service delivery and inculcate right morals in the young ones.

E-signed:

OyoSUBEB Media Team.

…As SUBEB Boss Bags Icon of Nation Building Award

The Oyo State Government has said it will collaborate with the African Students Union Parliament (ASUP) in the fight against drug abuse across the State.

This was disclosed during a courtesy visit of the Parliament to the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, in Ibadan on Thursday.

Speaker of the Parliament, Rt. Hon. Kewul Abel, from University of Professional Studies, Accra Ghana sought the State Government’s support in the Union’s ongoing sensitization programme against drug abuse across the African continent, urging the State Government to include Fight Against Drugs in its curriculum.

He further said that the collaboration aims to successfully curtail the drug menace in Africa, adding that it became necessary due to the rising cases of illegal consumption of prohibited substances, especially among youths.

The Speaker also noted that there was an urgent need for the present crop of African leaders, especially in the education sector to build on the dreams of the founding fathers of the union, in order to salvage the decay in the education sector.

The Union also honoured the Executive Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran with the prestigious Icon of Nation Building Award.

Presenting the award, Rt. Hon Abel said that the recipient, whose rise through his chosen endeavours as an Educationist, Lawyer and Politician has been an inspiration to many.

Abel added that Dr. Adeniran is a leader and a role model of excellence with an incomparable inspiration whose name will go down in history as one of the most celebrated and most impactful leaders of our time.

Recounting Adeniran’s several exploits in the public service, Rt. Hon. Abel revealed that ASUP cherishes his achievements, which is a morale booster for younger ones.

In his remark, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Joseph Konan from Univerisite Felix Houpouet Boigny, Cote-d’ivoire praised the efforts of Dr. Adeniran in promoting the Basic education sector in the State.

He therefore urged him not to relent in his quest to create an enabling environment for the younger generation, where the less privileged can have access to basic education, as this will further etch his name in the sands of history.

He explained that the awardee was carefully selected by an international committee of students across Africa, due to his achievements in the basic education sub-sector he supervises.

In his response, Dr. Nureni Adeniran who expressed the Board’s readiness to work with the Union in tackling drug abuse, noted that the Board has put in some necessary measures to curb any form of vices including drug abuse, across the State.

Reacting to the award presentation, Dr. Adeniran thanked the Africa Student Union Parliament for the honour that has been bestowed on him, while he dedicated the award to his principal, Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he said gave him the enabling environment to operate.

He also expressed his profound gratitude to the Board, Management and staff members of Oyo SUBEB for their unrelenting support and sacrifices at ensuring that the vision of the Board is kept alive.

As an Icon of Nation Building, Dr. Adeniran was also given a ASUP Five-Star General Badge, as well as a matching certificate.

It would be recalled that the West African Students Union (WASU), now African Students Union Parliament (ASUP) was formed in London in 1925 by Sir Kwame Nkrumah and presently has an estimated 50 million African students under its umbrella.

Media Team,

Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board.

Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Services have expressed satisfaction on the standard and quality of projects executed in Oyo State, commending the State’s achievements in the area of basic education.

Speaking after an inspection of projects in Oyo State, the Deputy chairman of the committee, Hon. Usman Zanna (APC, Borno), said that the State under Governor Seyi Makinde has lived up to its name of a Pace Setter, by surpassing all expectations.

Zana who led a delegation of the committee to the State on oversight visit to inspect and assess the level of utilization of Federal Government matching grant released to the State to develop basic education infrastructure, said only Oyo State has paid part of counterpart funding in 2021, adding that this attests to the State Government’s commitment to the improvement of education in Oyo State.

Receiving the delegation at the State Executive chamber, the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan said the education drive of Oyo State Government is responsible for the drastic reduction in the number of out of school children in the State, stressing that his administration takes education as a major priority.

Engineer Rauf Olaniyan, stated that one of the cardinal points of this administration is Education, adding that the State hopes to regain its pace-setting status by ranking first in WAEC examination before the administration runs out in 2023.

He said the State Government is committed to infrastructural development and capacity building for schools in Oyo State and will do all possible including, payment of counterpart funds and cordial relationship with the Universal Basic Education Commission to improve the state of education in the State.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Adeniran, said the team has inspected the projects embarked upon by the State Government in collaboration with UBEC and are satisfied with the level of work done.

The chairman revealed that the Oyo State Government has paid the backlog of counterpart funding to UBEC and has paid all required funding including counterpart funds for 2020/2021 Intervention projects.

Dr. Nureni enjoined the committee to facilitate the release of funds and all other necessary donations due to Oyo State from the Universal Basic Education Commission, including the yet-to-be assessed 3Million Dollars advance funds for Better Education Service Delivery, a World Bank Assisted Loan.

Media Team,

Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board.

…We‘ll Digitalise Educational System in Oyo – Makinde

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Tuesday, said that his administration remains committed to digitalising the educational system in the State with a view to bringing about qualitative education and enhancing teaching  and learning.

The Governor equally stated that his administration is ready to partner with Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) on quality education service delivery in the State.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the Governor stated this while receiving a  delegation of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission led by the KOICA Country Director, Mr. Woochan Chang, at the Courtesy Room of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The statement added that the KOICA delegation was in Ibadan to inspect on-going construction works on a Smart (Model) School Project being constructed by UBEC in Sogunro Village, along Moniya-Oyo Road, Akinyele Local Government Area.

While welcoming the delegation, Governor Makinde explained that as part of his administration’s determination to improve the standard of education in the State, his Government has budgeted 21 to 22 per cent for education in the 2021 budget.

The Governor said: “We have 21 to 22 per cent for education in our budget and it is unprecedented.”

He added: “I personally take special interest in the smart school project. I went to the project site and we will ensure that the quality meets international standards. I am glad that you are looking at interventions in ICT because e-governance is something we have also been looking at.

“With the pandemic, the challenges for us to take knowledge to our students became really compounded. So, what we have done in Oyo State, even at this secretariat, is to move towards e-governance. We have laid fiber-optic cables all around. We have bought computers and we are in the process of ensuring that our processes are moved towards e-governance where we are not going to be carrying files all over the place.

“We are doing the same thing at the primary and secondary school levels. We will prepare people for e-governance. The importance of moving everybody – both the students and teachers – to have appreciation of ICT became really hectic.

“You have our commitment as we have the SSG and Chairman of SUBEB to take you to our ICT Centre here. Before we came in, it was just a dream in the pipeline but we are now executing.”

The Governor, who maintained that the on-going construction work on the Smart (Model) School project in Ibadan will be ready for commissioning in the next 8-10 weeks, said his administration has always put its money where its mouth is.

“In terms of putting our mouth where our money is, the budget performance for last year, close to 60 per cent is a clear departure from the past where budget performance was always around 35 or 36 per cent.

“I believe that this particular model school will start soon and we will be monitoring them. Like the chairman of SUBEB said, hopefully in the next 8-10 weeks, we should have the project ready for your intervention.

“This is me having the responsibility to ensure that our programmes for the improvement of education in the State are executed. I am here with you this morning, which is to demonstrate enough commitment at the highest level in paying attention to one of the major pillars for us.

“Again, for me personally, I am not an elite as I did not come from the Upper Class. I came from the lower-middle class and the only thing that brought me to the table was the fact that I got educated.

“So, you can rest assured that if you need to see me, it will be arranged quickly and we will do everything within our power as a Government to ensure our students get the best in terms of education,” the Governor said.

The Governor added that his administration would like to collaborate with the South Korean Government in the area of vocational and technical education in the State.

He said: “Quite frankly, we will love to have intervention programmes in our vocational and technical education as well, because we have a lot of our graduates either riding Okada or roaming the streets.

“Yes, they get a formal education but there is still a gap in terms of responsibility, and how they can easily just roll into the economy and make their contributions.

“I know that South Korea has been at the fore-front of technology. So, soft areas such as vocational and technical will be a good curriculum for us. These are areas that if we have partners willing and able to support us, we will demonstrate the seriousness that is required.

“In anything that you are doing with us, please feel free to carry out an audit to come back and see the sustainability of some of the things that you will do with us. You can rest assured, we will do everything within our power to give back confidence and to have that openness such that you also will be assured that your money is not being wasted.”

Earlier, the Country Director of KOICA CA, Mr. Chang, said that the agency is partnering with UBEC on the provision of multimedia equipment and facilities to the model school.

He said: “We are here on assessment. We’ve met the Governor, SUBEB chairman and other education officials in the State. We are here for an on-the-site visit to the school construction area. We need to see how much the Government and SUBEB are eager to utilise the investment for the future education in the State.

“We are representing the South Korea Government. We have supported many countries in the world. KOICA is supporting many countries in social and economic development. Basically, we promote digital performance and digital education in Nigeria. On the other hand, we have an interest in promoting ICT, digital education in Nigeria.”

Signed

Taiwo Adisa

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde