Oyo State Govt. celebrates outstanding students, education stakeholders

The Oyo State Government on Tuesday in Ibadan honoured some outstanding students, old students’ associations and other stakeholders in the state’s education sector.

The awardees were honoured with plaques of recognition by Gov. Seyi Makinde at the maiden edition of the Oyo State Education Awareness Day 2023.

Makinde, at the event, organised by the state’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, said education would continue to remain important to his administration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised to celebrate the outstanding performances of students in various examinations and international competitions.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Bayo Lawal, lauded the contributions of old students’ associations, philanthropists and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) towards the growth and development of education in the state.

He charged parents to be united in the academic, moral and social upbringing of their children, and doing so in tune with the managers of education in the state.

“Pupils and students being celebrated today cannot have their achievements if their parental background is faulty. Parents are kindly urged to be united so that products from families can remain future leaders.

“Education will maintain an active focus of our administration without exception.

“The celebration of excellence in the lives of our students remains our focus. Teachers that are diligent in doing their work in the state will also be recognised,” Makinde said.

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, had earlier said the programme aimed at recognising and appreciating the special efforts and talents of students and other stakeholders.

Adelabu, while describing the event as an encouragement for all, said the state government had maintained an annual provision of between 15 to 20 per cent of its budget for education.

He said this has resulted in an all-round improvement and delivery of qualitative education in the state.

“Oyo State Government is investing in both the infrastructure and human capital development of its indigenes.

“Attainment of the state’s educational goals is increasing, and our parents, guardians and school administrators are all kindly enjoined not to relent in their efforts so that, at another occasion, our achievements will be more,” the commissioner said.

In his response, Mr Ayodeji Solanke, a representative of one of the old students’ associations which received awards, appreciated the initiative, believing it would serve as an impetus to do more.

Solanke, who is the Vice-President, Methodist High School Ibadan Old Boys’ Association (MHSIOBA), said the association would not rest on its oars.

“We shall scale up what we are today being appreciated for. And, sincerely, this is an award for all the old boys of the school,” he said.

Meanwhile, Master Olusegun Akinwola, the Best Candidate, 2019 National Examinations Council (NECO), from Orita-Mefa Baptist Model School in Ibadan, charged students to be hardworking.

He said they should see possibilities in their aspirations through commitment and prayers.