JUST IN: ONDO SUBEB UNVEILS NEW STRATEGY TO TRANSFORM BASIC EDUCATION, INAUGURATES SBMC EXECUTIVES

ONDO SUBEB UNVEILS NEW STRATEGY TO TRANSFORM BASIC EDUCATION, INAUGURATES SBMC EXECUTIVES

The Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has inaugurated newly elected State, Senatorial and Local Government Education Area (LGEA) executives of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) as part of efforts to strengthen community participation in the delivery of quality basic education across the state.

The inauguration and orientation programme, held at St. James CAC Mega Primary School, Irowo, Akure, also featured the unveiling of the Revised School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) Operational Documents. According to the Board, the revised guidelines are aimed at improving the effectiveness, accountability and operational efficiency of SBMCs in line with current UBEC policies and standards.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of ODSUBEB, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, PhD, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the state's drive to deepen community involvement in basic education.

She noted that School-Based Management Committees remain an important link between schools and their host communities, stressing that the commitment, transparency and dedication of committee members are essential to improving access to education, promoting equity and enhancing learning outcomes for children across Ondo State.

Bayo-Ilawole explained that the revised operational documents clearly outline the roles, responsibilities and procedures expected of SBMC members, urging the newly inaugurated executives to study the guidelines thoroughly and apply them effectively in carrying out their responsibilities.

She charged the executives to uphold integrity, accountability, transparency and selfless service while providing leadership that promotes inclusive community participation, prudent management of school resources, effective school improvement planning and sustained support for the enrolment, retention and completion of basic education by every school-age child.

The Permanent Secretary also expressed concern over social challenges affecting learners, including drug abuse and other harmful behaviours. She urged SBMC executives to work closely with schools, parents, traditional rulers, religious organisations and other stakeholders to create safe and supportive learning environments.

Reaffirming ODSUBEB's commitment to improving the education sector, she said the Board remains determined to build a vibrant and high-performing SBMC structure capable of serving as a model for other states.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Ondo South Senatorial District, Comrade Babajide Adesina, described education as a critical investment for sustainable national development.

He noted that government alone cannot provide all the resources required for quality education, adding that the School-Based Management Committee offers communities an effective platform to participate in the planning, management, monitoring and overall development of schools.

Delivering a presentation during the orientation, Professor Ayeni Adeolu John of the Department of Educational Management, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, highlighted the importance of the revised SBMC operational documents. He said effective implementation of the guidelines would strengthen school governance, improve accountability and transparency, enhance community participation and promote sustainable development in the basic education sector.

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated executives, the State Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee, Dr. Olutayo Olujuyigbe, expressed appreciation to ODSUBEB for the confidence reposed in the committee members.

He assured the Board that the executives would carry out their responsibilities with dedication, integrity and commitment while working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen community participation and support the delivery of quality basic education across Ondo State.

Earlier, the Director of Social Mobilisation, ODSUBEB, Mrs. Olukemi Akinmoladun, encouraged the new executives to strengthen collaboration among schools, parents, communities, traditional institutions, religious organisations and government agencies.

She said the Board expects the executives to promote community ownership of schools, improve accountability and transparency, increase learners' enrolment and retention, and support the implementation of school improvement initiatives.

The inauguration forms part of ODSUBEB's ongoing efforts to strengthen school governance, deepen community ownership of education and improve learning outcomes for children across Ondo State.