A two-day induction and orientation programme for over 2,000 newly-recruited teachers for both primary and secondary schools in Ondo state is currently underway in six centres across the state.
At the flag-off ceremony in Akure on Monday, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, acknowledged the role of teachers in improving the standard of education.
“It is imperative to emphasise that your appointment is strictly to fill vacancies in our rural communities and to ensure that students in the state have access to quality education, irrespective of their location. I have therefore instructed that anyone who declines posting to where his or her services is required, should be shown the way out” the governor said.
He listed the achievements of his administration in the last one year, which included the construction and renovation of 121 blocks of classrooms, procurement of 9,870 furniture items for both students and teachers and ongoing infrastructural renovation and expansion in secondary schools and technical colleges, among others.
The governor charged the newly-recruited teachers to pay undivided attention to the training programme and be dutiful, saying it is a scheme to sufficiently equip them for the task ahead.
“We have emplaced several monitoring teams that will go round the schools to monitor your regular attendance at classes and your output in the days ahead. So you must roll up your sleeves to contribute your quota to the state through quality education” the governor advised the teachers.
In his address, chairman of Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, reflected on the process that led to the recruitment of the new teachers.
He commended the governor for his investment in education and equally asked for more to be done until the UNESCO recommendation of a teacher to 25 students ratio is met.
Thanking the governor on behalf of his colleagues, Akinwale Akinnagbe, said the induction programmme will be helpful as it will empower them to deliver quality training across their various schools.
The programme is currently taking place in five other centers; Akure, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo, Owo, Okitipupa and Irele.