Ekiti State Aims for Zero Out-of-School Children, Says Governor Biodun Oyebanji
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji is committed to achieving zero out-of-school children, as reiterated by Prof. Femi Akinwumi, Chairman of the Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, is steadfast in the commitment to achieve a zero out-of-school children status. This assertion was made by Prof. Femi Akinwumi, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), during the inauguration of new local government branch chairmen of the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) in Ado Ekiti.
Akinwumi highlighted that the state's free and compulsory education policy, coupled with various infrastructure development projects and the encouragement of teachers, forms the cornerstone of this initiative. He emphasized the need for collaboration from head teachers to ensure that every child in Ekiti has access to education, warning against the illegal collection of fees from pupils, as sanctions would be imposed on violators.
“The Oyebanji administration is committed to the free and compulsory education policy of the state government, aiming to reduce the number of out-of-school children to zero,” Akinwumi stated. He outlined the government's initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of education, including the provision of infrastructure for a conducive teaching and learning environment, the procurement of instructional materials, and the regular payment of teachers’ salaries and allowances.
Furthermore, Akinwumi pointed to additional measures taken by the Oyebanji administration, such as training and retraining teachers, approving car and housing loans, and extending the service of primary school teachers who are university graduates to grade level 16.
He also expressed gratitude to the outgoing local government branch executives of AOPSHON for their contributions to the association's development and urged the newly elected chairmen to build upon their predecessors' achievements for the betterment of basic education in Ekiti State.
In related news, the state AOPSHON Chairman, Olusola Ajiborode, commended the state government for prioritizing the welfare of teachers and improving their overall conditions.
As Ekiti State continues to implement these educational reforms, the focus remains on creating an inclusive environment where no child is left behind in their pursuit of education.
