By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the Commissioner for Education to immediately issue letters of appointment to the first batch of newly recruited teachers in the state.
The directive, according to the governor, gives effect to the decision of the State Executive Council meeting held in December last year and underscores his administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector and ensuring safety in public schools across Osun State.
Adeleke disclosed this while addressing participants at the Commendation and Solidarity Parade organised by the Stay-in-School Initiative at St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo. He described education as the most potent instrument for personal empowerment and sustainable societal development.
He explained that the Stay-in-School Initiative, which operates as a school policing and neighbourhood watch programme in line with the Federal Government’s Safe School Initiative, reflects the state’s resolve to safeguard the future of children by providing a secure and conducive learning environment.
Commending the initiative for encouraging community involvement in school safety, Governor Adeleke noted that collective vigilance by host communities, working alongside government and security agencies, remains crucial to restoring excellence in the education sector.
He stressed that beyond expanding access to education, his administration is determined to guarantee the safety, retention and successful completion of schooling for every child in the state, adding that safe schools are essential for uninterrupted learning and social stability.
The governor also expressed appreciation to the leadership and personnel of the Stay-in-School Initiative for their solidarity and support, describing security as a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of parents, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations and the wider society.
Assuring continued prioritisation of education, Governor Adeleke said his government would sustain policies and investments aimed at protecting students from violence, crime and social vices, while creating an enabling environment for learning and character development. He urged students to remain disciplined and focused, parents to continue supporting their children, and officers of the initiative to discharge their duties professionally and with a human face.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dipo Eluwole, described the solidarity parade as a public vote of confidence in the Adeleke administration, revealing that 300 Peace Corps members had been engaged into the Stay-in-School Initiative to support the state’s sustainable development agenda.
Also speaking, the Commandant and Lead Consultant of the initiative, Commandant Ayinde Kayode, praised the governor’s commitment to education, noting that incidents of bullying and other social vices among students have been reduced to a minimal level since the introduction of the programme.
