Ogun employs additional 1,000 teachers, commends educators for embracing digital innovation

By Popoola Jamiu, Abeokuta

The Ogun State Government has continued its drive to strengthen the education sector with the issuance of permanent employment letters to another 1,000 teachers under the Ogun State Teaching Experience Acquisition Channel (OgunTEACh) scheme, while also commending teachers across the state for embracing digital technology to improve teaching effectiveness and productivity.

With the latest batch of appointments, a total of 5,000 OgunTEACh interns have now secured permanent employment under the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, out of the 6,000 teachers recruited through the programme.

Speaking during the presentation of employment letters at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, recalled that teacher recruitment in the state had been stalled for about eight years before the current administration assumed office.

He attributed the massive recruitment drive and other achievements recorded in the education sector to Governor Abiodun’s commitment to repositioning education and sustaining the legacy established by the founding fathers of the state.

According to Arigbabu, requests, memos and programmes relating to education always receive prompt approval from the governor, a reflection of his passion for the sector and support for teachers, non-teaching staff and learners across the state.

The commissioner further disclosed that the government had also ensured the inclusion of persons living with disabilities in the recruitment process for public primary and secondary schools as well as government technical colleges, with a view to promoting inclusiveness and improving their standard of living.

“When it comes to the provision of infrastructure and an enabling learning environment for learners, our amiable Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has left no stone unturned in the education sector in Ogun State,” Arigbabu stated.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, described the employment of 6,000 teachers, including the 5,000 already confirmed as permanent staff, as a remarkable achievement deserving commendation.

He urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the government’s gesture through dedication, commitment and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Apostle Abiodun Sanyaolu, noted that Ogun had become a reference point in educational development due to the innovations introduced by the Ministry of Education.

He commended Governor Abiodun for lifting the long-standing embargo on teachers’ recruitment and bridging the manpower gap in schools across the state.

In a related development, Sanyaolu lauded teachers in Ogun State for embracing emerging digital technologies aimed at enhancing productivity and professional effectiveness.

The TESCOM chairman gave the commendation during the presentation of awards to outstanding teachers who emerged winners in the OgunLEARN competition organised by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

He described the enthusiasm displayed by participants as evidence of their dedication, hard work and readiness to champion educational innovation in the state.

According to him, the competition provided teachers with an opportunity to demonstrate their digital competencies, creativity, adaptability and commitment to excellence, while proving that Ogun teachers can compete favourably in the application of modern educational technologies.

“I congratulate and applaud our teachers who have distinguished themselves and embraced the state’s emerging digital innovations in the quest to deliver quality learning experiences to our learners,” Sanyaolu said.

He also commended the Ministry for introducing the OgunLEARN initiative, describing the AI-powered platform as a significant milestone in the state’s education sector and one that aligns with Governor Abiodun’s vision for quality education delivery.

Sanyaolu explained that the platform equips teachers with modern tools to simplify lesson preparation, improve classroom instruction, enhance assessment processes and ultimately boost students’ learning outcomes.

He assured stakeholders that TESCOM would continue to support programmes and policies aimed at promoting teachers’ development, technological advancement and excellence in service delivery.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, advised the newly employed teachers to regard their appointments as a golden opportunity and to serve as worthy ambassadors of the state in their various postings.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Oladipo Michael, Ayinla Temitope, Oluwatosin Aladesanmi and Samsudeen Oladunjoye expressed gratitude to God, the Ogun State Government and education sector leaders for the opportunity, pledging to contribute their best towards advancing education in the state.

Other dignitaries at the OgunLEARN award ceremony included the Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry of Education and TESCOM, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko and Mr. Akintomiwa Osibodu, as well as directors and senior education officials.

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