Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has called on teachers and students in the state to imbibe dedication, discipline and focus as schools commence the 2026/2027 academic session.
The commissioner made the call on Monday while leading officials of the ministry on a tour of schools in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The commissioner, who frowned at some schools where students were involved in cutting grass on the first day of resumption and parents of new students were delayed at the gate, affirmed that the first day of the term was a day to show the level of seriousness in the academic year, adding that it was not a day to start cutting grass.
While emphasising the need for top-notch managerial capability by school heads, Ajibefun urged teachers to show renewed commitment in the new session and ensure that all lapses were addressed promptly with all the needed seriousness.
He commended teachers and school heads who had commenced work in earnest and assured them of strong government support at all times.
Reiterating that the new session would not be business as usual, the commissioner foretold schools that the ministry would embark on routine but unannounced inspections of schools to ensure optimal quality delivery.
The commissioner also renewed the commitment of the Ondo State Government to restore the glory of public schools and make them the choice of every parent in the state, describing the provision of infrastructure and prompt payment of teachers’ salaries as testaments to that commitment.
Commenting on student discipline, Ajibefun affirmed that there was no going back in the state government’s resolve to prioritise discipline among students in the state, saying, “There is no room for indiscipline in our schools.
“Those students who were caught during this last academic year were punished accordingly and I believe they will never be involved in any act of indiscipline again.”
Ajibefun equally urged students to face their studies and shun every form of illicit behaviour, saying that the Ondo State Government was interested in academic excellence among students.
This, he noted, was demonstrated recently when the state government awarded N1 million each to students who excelled academically across the state.
While applauding the state government for its investment in the security of schools in Ondo State, Ajibefun assured students and staff of maximum security.
His words: “We have the military, the police force, Civil Defence, and DSS, all partnering together to make sure that our schools are safe, and we thank God for the security He has given us.”
Head of Safe School Desk, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, DCC Folasade Olakanse, assured students that the government had emplaced all necessary measures to ensure their safety.
She admonished them to speak up whenever they noticed anything strange around them or faced any form of harassment.
Principal of Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School, Dr (Mrs) Omobola Ojoge, stated that the school had begun work in earnest. She disclosed that students had started the principal’s test, which would last for three days, after which lectures would start.
She equally commended the efforts made by the government to secure schools, adding that the school was also doing everything possible to promote security.
A parent, Mr Osewa Ilesanmi, commended the management of his child’s school for making the ongoing admission process smooth and less burdensome for parents.
Ilesanmi, who was at the school to admit his daughter, said the process had been handled in a well-organised manner, particularly the directive discouraging parents from purchasing unnecessary textbooks.
He also praised the arrangements for the purchase of uniforms and cardigans, noting that parents were allowed to obtain the items either within or outside the school without being compelled to patronise a particular seller.
He said the purchase of lockers and shoes was also handled without coercion, describing the entire admission process as smooth and stress-free.
Meanwhile, a student, Moyinoluwa Olabanji, expressed happiness over her return to school after the long vacation.
Olabanji, who appreciated God for bringing her back to school in good health, also commended her parents for their financial sacrifices and unwavering commitment to her education.
She acknowledged that providing quality education for children was not always easy, but noted that her parents had never relented in their responsibilities.
The student prayed that parents who continued to cater for their children’s needs would live to reap the fruits of their labour.
She also urged her colleagues to take their academic work more seriously, saying they should strive to make their parents proud and ensure that their parents’ sacrifices and financial investments in their education were not in vain.
The Hope
