The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening education data management as part of efforts to improve planning, policy formulation and overall delivery of basic education across the state.

This formed the focus of a stakeholders’ sensitisation programme on Basic Education Data Entry for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 academic sessions on the Universal Basic Education Commission/Basic Education Management Information System (UBEC/BEMIS) platforms, held at St. James CAC Caring Heart Mega Primary School, Irowo, Akure.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, described education as a fundamental pillar for societal growth and development, stressing that it remains critical to building a prosperous future.

Ajibefun, who was represented by the Director of Inspectorate and Quality Assurance in the ministry, Prince Olu Obajulaye, said education goes beyond being a sector, noting that it plays a vital role in shaping values, knowledge and opportunities that drive sustainable development.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring access to quality basic education for every child, while emphasising the need for comprehensive and reliable data on learners in both public and private schools.

According to him, accurate data is essential for effective decision-making, planning and continuous improvement of the education system, adding that the BEMIS platform provides a robust database for monitoring school enrolment, evaluating teachers’ performance and tracking infrastructure development.

Ajibefun noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s education policy direction under the Digital Repository, Out-of-School Children Education, Teacher Training and Development, and Skills Acquisition (DOTS) agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He further stated that the Ondo State Government would continue to prioritise projects that positively impact citizens, including the renovation of existing school facilities and construction of new ones to create a conducive learning environment.

The Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, in his welcome address, said the state would continue to strengthen data management in the basic education sector through effective implementation of BEMIS.

Represented by the Board’s Full-Time Member I, Princess Olufunmilayo Ademulegun-Brown, Olabimtan commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his support for the education sector, particularly in ensuring timely approval of counterpart funding to access intervention funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

He noted that the governor’s commitment has enabled the state to utilise available resources effectively for the development of basic education, reflecting the administration’s dedication to improved educational outcomes.

Also speaking, the State Coordinator of UBEC, Mrs. Olanike Adams, urged stakeholders to take the data entry exercise seriously by ensuring proper documentation and collaboration in the collection and utilisation of educational data.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Board, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, urging participants to apply the knowledge gained to ensure accurate and timely data submission.

Earlier, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Ayodele Akanle, explained that BEMIS is a comprehensive digital platform developed to centralise the collection, analysis and reporting of education data across the country.

He said the platform covers Early Childhood Care Development and Education, primary and junior secondary schools across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and is designed to enhance efficiency in school and student management, data collection, infrastructure assessment and reporting.

Akanle added that the initiative would ensure the availability of reliable data for effective planning and improved delivery of education services nationwide.

The training programme is scheduled to continue from March 24 to March 26, 2026, with data officers expected to receive hands-on training on the effective use of the BEMIS platform.

The exercise will be conducted simultaneously across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state, where designated officers will be equipped with the skills required to capture and manage education data efficiently.

Stakeholders are also expected to support the process by sensitising schools on the importance of timely data submission and ensuring compliance with established guidelines.