The Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board has inducted 104 newly appointed headteachers to fill existing vacancies in public primary schools across the 20 local government areas of the state, urging them to remain dedicated to advancing quality education at the grassroots.

The Chairman of SUBEB, Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, made the call on Tuesday during the induction and capacity-building programme for the new headteachers held at the NUT Hall, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Ifede described the appointment of the headteachers as a demonstration of the confidence the government and the board have in their professional competence, dedication, and capacity to effectively lead public primary schools.

According to him, the quality of leadership provided by the headteachers will directly influence the standard of teaching and learning in their schools.

The SUBEB chairman said, “As a new addition to the management of primary education in the state, the quality of your leadership will directly determine the quality of teaching and learning that takes place in your schools.

“The performance of a headteacher is ultimately reflected in the performance of the learners in the school. I therefore urge you all to remain dedicated to duty. You must be ready to give your best at all times.

“You should know that the future of these young learners is in your hands, and you must certainly do your best to provide the leadership and support needed to build a solid foundation that will bring out the best in these young ones.”

Ifede assured the new headteachers that the board remained committed to supporting them and other teachers in delivering quality basic education, stressing that such support must be matched with responsibility, commitment, and measurable results.

In his goodwill message, the Permanent Member IV of the board, Hon. Akeem Balogun, urged the inductees to bring innovation into school administration, adding that the efforts of the board under the leadership of Ifede must not be in vain.

Balogun said the attainment of Grade Level 17 for public primary school teachers should be justified through improved performance.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr Femi Fatade, explained that the position of headteacher is not only a recognition of experience and dedication to service but also a call to greater responsibility in shaping the future of learners and strengthening the foundation of basic education.

Speaking on behalf of the Headteachers-General, the Headteacher-General of Egba Zone, Mrs Folake Onabajo, urged the newly inducted officers to see their positions as platforms for service.

Onabajo said a headteacher is not only an administrator but also a leader, mentor, and role model to both teachers and pupils, adding that leadership must promote discipline, professionalism, accountability, and strong commitment.

Also delivering a goodwill message, the state chairman of the Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria, Comrade Tajudeen Adeosun, described the programme as a reflection of the board’s commitment to capacity building, proper orientation, and strengthening leadership at the grassroots level of the education system.

Speaking on the topic, “Effective School Management,” guest speaker and retired Secretary of SUBEB, Mr Olubori Akinleye, stressed that school administration must be handled with a high level of seriousness.

Akinleye urged the inductees to maintain cordial relationships with teachers and pupils, noting that this would promote academic excellence.

He also encouraged them to acquire basic computer skills, particularly for data gathering and administrative efficiency.

The former SUBEB secretary further advised them to uphold discipline and accountability, remain empathetic in leadership, and ensure that the school environment is safe and protected from unscrupulous elements.

The state government recently engaged 448 OgunTeach interns and deployed them to public primary schools in rural communities as part of efforts to address the shortage of teachers across the state.

The engagement and posting letters were presented to the successful applicants at the SUBEB secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.