The Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board has inducted 120 newly appointed headteachers into the leadership of public primary schools across the state, charging them to transform their schools through effective leadership and improved learning outcomes.
Speaking at the induction ceremony, SUBEB Chairman, Olalekan Ifede, described headship as more than a promotion, saying it comes with responsibility, accountability and service to children and the state.
He urged the new headteachers to justify their appointments by improving teaching and learning in their respective schools, particularly in literacy and communication.
Ifede also warned the inductees to prepare for rural postings, stressing that the government would not tolerate the consistent rejection of assignments to rural communities.
The 120 headteachers are the first set to emerge from a new screening and oral interview process introduced by the board to ensure that school leadership appointments are based on merit. The process assessed candidates’ qualifications, experience, competence, communication skills and leadership abilities.
“You are therefore pioneers of a new era of merit-based school leadership in Ogun State. I urge you to justify the confidence placed in you,” Ifede told the inductees.
He charged them to see themselves not merely as administrators but as instructional leaders, mentors and role models who should have a direct impact on classroom activities.
According to him, headteachers must identify areas where pupils and teachers require support and take practical steps to address them.
“Where learners struggle to read, strengthen their reading. Where handwriting is weak, improve it. Where teachers require support, provide it. Where resources are underutilised, deploy them effectively,” he said.
The SUBEB chairman further warned the new school heads against absenteeism, indiscipline, examination malpractice, discrimination and misuse of public resources.
He urged them to lead with integrity, transparency and accountability, noting that they would be entrusted with public resources and the welfare of children.
The headteachers were also encouraged to maintain safe and inclusive learning environments, support teachers, engage parents and communities constructively, and protect the dignity and best interests of every learner.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, urged the new headteachers to work with the state government to strengthen the foundation of education in Ogun State.
He stressed that quality primary education was essential to raising academic standards and urged the headteachers to remain committed to their responsibilities and help pupils realise their potential.
The state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Oladipupo Sewakanu, congratulated the inductees and urged them to provide visionary leadership while prioritising the development of the children under their care.
He also said the union would continue to
engage the government on issues affecting teachers’ welfare, including efforts to resolve concerns surrounding the Contributory Pension Scheme.
With the new appointments, Ogun SUBEB is placing greater emphasis on merit-based leadership and accountability at the primary school level, while expecting the new headteachers to translate their appointments into measurable improvements in the quality of education.
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