Education Secretary poised for quality education, seeks excellence

She spoke at an orientation programme for newly employed tutors in the area. It had the theme: "Dos, Don’ts, and Responsibilities.”

Highlighting her commitment to transparency, the Education Secretary announced an open-door policy, encouraging staff to raise genuine concerns responsibly while maintaining professional integrity.

 “My success as the Education Secretary is only achievable if every staff under my authority works in synergy," she said.

She called for unity of purpose across the authority and urged the teachers to take self-development seriously because their growth is proportional to that of the learners.

On welfare matters, she enjoined the new educators to liaise with the appropriate section depending on the nature of the need/case, as independent actions may conflict with established policies. She added that the Counselling unit of the School support section will be helpful in many situations, and the Social mobilization section ensures that the needs of every pupil are taken care of.

The erstwhile Education Secretary, Kosofe LGEA, Mr. Shoneye Babatunde, in a paper entitled “Understanding the System and Civil Service Regulations," provided a comprehensive overview of the administrative structure governing education. He explained that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education oversees basic education, while SUBEB supervises all LGEAs, which in turn administer primary schools within their jurisdictions.

He further reminded the teachers that civil service operations are strictly regulated, particularly in matters relating to appointment, promotion, discipline, and dismissal. He highlighted core rules, including respect for constituted authority, adherence to the oath of secrecy and strict financial regulations, notably the prohibition of loans exceeding one-third of salary.

The Chairman of the Association of Public School Head-Teachers of Nigeria (AOPHSON), Alimosho LGEA Branch, Mrs. Grace Omoniyi, reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening discipline, professionalism, and holistic development across member schools. Speaking on the association’s guidelines, she emphasised the importance of promoting extra-curricular activities such as the Literary and Debate Society, Farmer’s Club, Red Cross, Girl Guides, Spelling Bee, and Math Club, noting that these platforms are vital in nurturing pupils’ intellectual growth, leadership qualities, and practical skills, alongside active participation in sporting activities.

Mrs. Omoniyi further stressed the need for strict professional conduct among teachers, advising that moderate hairstyles be maintained to prevent classroom distractions, lesson plans be followed diligently, and teaching aids be effectively utilised to avoid abstract instruction.

She also reiterated the approved weekly dress code for staff and pupils: English wear on Mondays and Tuesdays, Yoruba native attire on Wednesdays, sportswear on Thursdays, and native wear on Fridays, describing the measure as one that promotes order, unity, and cultural consciousness within the school community.

The NUT Chairman, Comr. Olowoyo Isaac congratulated the newly appointed teachers, describing their selection as a privilege. He urged them to demonstrate diligence, reliability, respect for hierarchy, and unwavering integrity in the discharge of their duties.

The Head of Section, Basic Education Quality Assurance (BEQA), Mrs Oluranti Fadahunsi, further reinforced professional standards, outlining clear “dos and don’ts” relating to conduct, grooming, and instructional boundaries. She encouraged the teachers to serve as exemplary role models, maintain corporate attire, and avoid distracting appearances.