By Precious Oluwole

As part of his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of education and promoting all-round development of students, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Thursday, flagged off the distribution of instructional materials and sports equipment to public primary and junior secondary schools across Ondo State.

The initiative is aimed at enhancing teaching and learning outcomes, while also encouraging active participation in sports and extracurricular activities among young learners.

Instructional materials distributed included: 13,755 copies of Basic Science and Technology Textbooks, 16,815 copies of Mathematics Textbooks, 16,815 copies of English Studies Textbooks, 1,962 copies of History Textbooks, 10,765 copies of Assorted Library Books, 7500 copies of National value, 7,500 copies of Computer Studies Textbooks.

Sporting equipment such as complete football kits, chess boards, swimming kits, badminton rackets, skipping rope and table tennis sets were given to 52 basic schools.

Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa said “Education, which is one of the most vital pillars of our administration is actually the foundation upon which we build the future of our children and our society at large.

“Today’s event is not just about handing out books and sporting materials, but it represents a strong message to the general public of our avowed commitment to building a future where every child, regardless of his or her background, has unfettered access to quality education and opportunities to thrive.

“Our determination to reposition this sector stems from the desire to put a stop to the declining standard in the quality of education in Ondo State through a rigorous pursuance of the education component of “OUR EASE” strategic development agenda.

“Ondo State is one of the few states to have accessed UBEC/SUBEB fund up to 2024 for developmental projects and we have embarked on some massive infrastructural development programme, which include the renovation and construction of classrooms, provision of furniture and improved learning environments in our schools.

“These efforts are geared towards creating a conducive atmosphere for effective teaching and learning and to also ensure that every school in our dear State is equipped with modern facilities that support effective learning. Our administration has successfully accomplished several iconic projects in the education sector, which spread across our cities, towns and communities.

Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that his administration recognises the vital role of sports in the mental development of the children. “By providing sports materials, we are encouraging physical activity, teamwork and healthy competition among our pupils. It is noteworthy that 38 Basic Schools were given sport equipment using 2023 intervention fund while 52 Basic Schools across the 18 LGAs would be equipped with series of sporting materials today”.

He stressed that his administration shall continue to make steady progress in the provision of quality and inclusive education by ensuring that children across the State have access to educational resources.

While commending the teachers for their dedication, he encouraged them to make the best use of the materials in delivering impactful education.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to educational development.

He noted that the event is annually with the aim of ensuring that every pupil in primary school and junior secondary schools have their own textbooks to read as some parent cannot afford it for their children.

He added that every school has been mandated to engage in sporting activities, appealing to cooperate entities to join hands with the government towards the development of education.

Olabimtan emphasized the goal of achieving a 1:1 textbook-to-learner ratio and urged stakeholders to ensure judicious use of the materials.

State coordinator of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Mrs Olanike Adam who was represented by Mr Aremo Ayodeji ot strengthen the foundation of education. He expressed his confidence that the materials will boost the morale of the students and would make learning and teaching easier.

Olu Obajulaye rep permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Folashade we will not relent in our efforts to build.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Ayodele Samuel, appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for his endless support to the educational sector of the State. He stated that the distribution will go a long way in achieving the set goal of the education sector. He urged the schools to maintain the equipment.

In his goodwill message, Friedrich Akintoroye, speaking on behalf of the Association of Primary School Health Teachers of Nigeria, described the occasion as more than just the distribution of resources but a clear reaffirmation of the governor’s dedication to the growth and transformation of the education sector.

Also speaking, Sola Adubi, who represented Alhaji Abimbola Omoloja, the State Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), thanked the governor for initiatives that ease the burden on parents, noting that the distribution of learning and sports materials would bring much-needed relief to families.

On his part, Dr. Ade Omololu, Chairman of the Forum of Education Secretaries, commended the Aiyedatiwa-led administration for its proactive role in supporting basic education through timely release of counterpart funding. He revealed that the state’s commitment recently led to the award of new contracts for infrastructure projects in schools.

Dr. Omololu also assured that the distributed materials would be equitably shared, properly used, and well maintained for the benefit of learners across the state.

In attendance were: Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of service, Mr Bayo Philip, Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) Chairman, Mr Bayo Rojugbokan, Director General, OSRC Media group, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson education secretaries across the 18 local government areas of the State.