The All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Ondo State Branch, has commended the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for its interventions in the education sector, particularly in the recruitment of teachers, rehabilitation of schools and payment of teachers’ salaries.

The President of ANCOPSS, Ondo State Branch, Mr Aminu Gabriel Olugbenga, stated this while speaking with journalists in Akure, saying the association remained committed to constructive partnership with the state government and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in advancing quality and sustainable education.

Olugbenga noted that the recruitment of teachers by the present administration had provided significant relief to public schools after years of manpower shortages caused by retirement, death and natural attrition.

According to him, for more than 15 years, the state’s teaching workforce had experienced inadequate replacement of departing teachers, creating challenges for principals and schools in maintaining effective academic activities.

He said the recent recruitment of teachers for both primary and secondary schools had helped to strengthen the workforce, while urging the government to sustain the process until existing manpower gaps were adequately addressed.

The ANCOPSS president also commended the government and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for ongoing renovation and rehabilitation projects across public schools, describing the interventions as important to improving the learning environment.

He stressed that government alone could not provide all the resources required to develop the education sector, calling for stronger partnerships among government, parents, old students, philanthropists, communities and development partners.

Olugbenga cited the provision of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory and Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories at African Church Grammar School, Oka-Akoko, through the intervention of a family, as an example of how private support could complement government investment in education.

He further commended the regular payment of teachers’ salaries and emoluments, as well as the state government’s payment of West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration fees for students, saying the measures had provided relief to schools, teachers and parents.

The ANCOPSS president also highlighted the regular provision of textbooks by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the appointment of Tutor Generals as positive developments aimed at strengthening teaching, learning and administration in secondary schools.

However, he appealed to the state government to consider restoring the number of Tutor General offices to nine, reflecting the former Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) zonal structure covering Ikare, Oka, Owo, Akure, Idanre, Ondo/Odigbo, Okitipupa and Igbokoda.

According to him, such an arrangement would further enhance effective supervision and administration of secondary schools across the state.
Olugbenga said despite the progress recorded, more teachers were still required in many schools, noting that some principals had been compelled to engage Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) teachers to prevent disruption of academic activities.

He identified inadequate security personnel as another major challenge confronting public schools, stressing that school facilities, equipment and students required adequate protection.

He also listed shortages of laboratory attendants, library assistants, secretaries to principals and ICT teachers among the areas requiring urgent attention.

He particularly stressed the need for more ICT personnel, given the growing importance of digital technology in modern education and school administration.

The ANCOPSS president explained that the existing gaps sometimes made it necessary for schools to seek additional support through PTA special contributions to address urgent needs that government funding might not immediately cover.

He, however, stressed that such contributions must be properly communicated, transparently administered and directed toward clearly identified educational needs.

Olugbenga commended the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, for engaging stakeholders and explaining the circumstances surrounding PTA special collections and the need for additional support where necessary.

He said effective communication and accountability were essential to building trust between schools and parents, particularly whenever additional financial contributions were required.

Olugbenga described the government as a strategic partner rather than merely a funding authority, stressing that principals, teachers, parents, communities, philanthropists and other stakeholders also had important roles to play in the development of the education sector.

He said ANCOPSS would continue to support policies and initiatives capable of improving the quality of education in Ondo State while encouraging government to consolidate the gains already recorded.

“Education remains one of the strongest foundations for the development of any sane and progressive society. Investing in teachers, students, infrastructure and educational support services is an investment in the future of Ondo State,” he said.

He reaffirmed ANCOPSS’s commitment to working with Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to build an education system capable of equipping children across the state with the knowledge, skills and character required to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ondo State and Nigeria.

He called for sustained collaboration among government and education stakeholders, saying collective efforts remained essential to moving the state’s education sector forward.