Ajimobi inaugurates boards to improve Oyo schools

OYO State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Thursday, inaugurated the School Governing Boards (SGBs) with a mandate to improve the performance of the state’s students in public examinations, and build good character of the students.

Speaking at the event held at the University of Ibadan, Ajimobi stated that the initiative became imperative owing to the poor quality of students’ in public examinations and dwindling fortunes of the state educational system, in its entirety.

The SGBs hinged on direct involvement of public and private sector in the management of schools has among others, representative of Parent Teacher Association and Old Students’ Association, school principal, community leader, head boy/head girl, local inspector of education as members.

He expressed optimism that the new initiative will bring about overall improvement in academic standards and efficiency of teachers in each of the 628 schools in the state.

Furthermore, he charged the members of the SGBs to be transparent in its management of the schools, offer selfless service towards and effectively collaborate with all stakeholders to achieve the desired results.

However, Ajimobi noted the essence of setting up the SGBs will be enhanced with improved infrastructure, more competent and committed teachers and better attitude towards learning by students.

In his remarks, Oyo Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela, urged members of the SGBs to put an end to poor performance of students.

He further emphasised the need for all concerned stakeholders to collaborate to revamp the education sector of the state.

Meanwhile, the state government also honoured an indigene of the state, Mr Oluwasayo Babalola, for outstanding academic performance to include having distinction in nine subjects in the May/June 2015 West African Senior School Certificate Examination.

Babalola, 17 years, who graduated from Oritamefa Baptist Model School, Ibadan, is currently a student of Medicine and Surgery in the University of Ibadan,

In recognition of Babalola’s outstanding performance, Ajimobi awarded Babalola a cheque of N250,000 as well as a scholarship for the duration of his university education.

Mr Adenrele Ajisefini, who is Chairman, SGB of Olojuoro Grammar School, Ibadan, and Mr Kehinde Olaosebikan, Chairman, SGB, Onipe Community High School, Ibadan, assured of collaboration with other members of their respective boards to reposition their alma mater.