... As Olabimtan advocates enrollment, retention of every child in school
The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to quality basic education through sustained collaboration with key stakeholders, as part of efforts to tackle the growing challenge of out-of-school children in the state.
This formed the focus of a one-day stakeholders’ sensitization programme held in Akure, the state capital, where education managers, teachers, and other critical actors gathered to strengthen strategies for achieving universal basic education.
Participants at the programme included Education Secretaries, members of the All Primary Schools Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), officials of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Social Mobilization Officers, and representatives of relevant state ministries and agencies.
In his keynote address, the Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, described education as a vital tool for national development, social transformation, and poverty reduction.
He expressed concern over the persistent challenge of out-of-school children, warning that it poses a serious threat not only to the future of affected children but also to the overall growth and security of society.
Olabimtan stressed that the state government is determined to confront the problem decisively, noting that any child deprived of education risks becoming vulnerable to social and economic exclusion.
He emphasized that addressing the crisis goes beyond providing infrastructure and policies, highlighting the need for strong community engagement and effective social mobilization.
According to him, parents, traditional and religious leaders, School-Based Management Committees, civil society organisations, and local government authorities must play active roles in ensuring that every child is enrolled, retained, and monitored in school.
The SUBEB chairman also aligned the board’s initiatives with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes education as a key driver of national development.
He explained that the agenda focuses on expanding access to education, strengthening foundational learning, investing in teachers, and improving school infrastructure to ensure inclusive and equitable education for all.
Olabimtan acknowledged the donation of “Back-to-School” materials by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, targeted at indigent and hard-to-reach learners across the state.
He, however, urged stakeholders to ensure that the materials are distributed transparently and reach only the intended beneficiaries, particularly underprivileged and out-of-school children.
According to him, proper targeting and accountability in the distribution process would promote equity, increase school participation, and ensure value for public resources.
The SUBEB boss commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his continued support for the education sector, noting that the administration has recorded improvements in school infrastructure, teaching and learning environments, and access to quality education.
He added that the governor’s collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has strengthened the implementation of policies aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.
Olabimtan urged participants to take proactive steps in identifying out-of-school children within their communities and ensuring their enrollment and retention in schools.
He called for intensified advocacy, community engagement, and sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to address the challenge effectively.
In her remarks, the State Coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mrs. Adenike Adams, also stressed the need to discourage the rising number of out-of-school children.
She charged education administrators and teachers to take responsibility for identifying such children and encouraging their return to school through consistent engagement with communities.
Adams further emphasized that recently distributed educational materials must be directed towards indigent and out-of-school children to maximize their impact.
She noted that transparency and proper utilization of the materials would enhance access to education while ensuring accountability.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, commended participants for their active engagement and contributions during the programme.
She assured that issues and recommendations raised would be carefully reviewed and addressed by the board’s management to improve service delivery.
Earlier in her opening address, the Director of Social Mobilization, Olukemi Akinmoladun, highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in strengthening basic education.
She stressed that effective synergy among education administrators, teachers, unions, and social mobilization officers is essential for improved learning outcomes.
Akinmoladun also urged participants to intensify advocacy and awareness campaigns aimed at boosting school enrollment and reducing dropout rates.
The programme ended with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to work collectively towards building a more inclusive, responsive, and effective basic education system in Ondo State.
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