Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu has been commended for his commitment to sound basic education in the state, which has started to yield positive results judging by the performance of pupils in terminal examinations.
During a courtesy visit to his office in Akure by the management of Universal Learning Solution Initiatives (ULSI) executor of Jolly Phonics Project, the Executive Chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan said the state is second to none in the performance index in development of the education sector.
He said that education is the pivot upon which other development initiatives revolves around, adding that that was why the Governor placed much premium on teaching and learning at the basic levels.
The Chairman maintained that Akeredolu is education-friendly as his administration has done a lot to put the sector in good stead.
According to him, education is the bedrock of life. “With good secondary education one is settled for life and can navigate to whatever endeavour or vocation one desires, break the circle of poverty and be independent for life”, he said.
Olabimtan, who recalled his struggle in life, said he had a tough childhood. And with no father to lean on, he had to train himself and his siblings singlehandedly by combining work and scholling at the University of Lagos. “Today, it is now a story”, he said, adding that good thing do not come easy.
While applauding the management of ULSI for the soundness of the learning project, Jolly Phonics, which he described as second to none judging by the positive impact it has on the teachers, the pupils and the learning environment, Olabimtan restated the Board’s commitment to continue to do business with the company.
Welcoming the team, the Permanent Secretary, Chief Dele Akinnagbe applauded the Governor for appointing Olabimbitan as the Chairman of the Board considering his weight of experience as a professional teacher and school Principal before venturing into politics coupled with his subsequent appointment as the Chairman of the State Teaching Service Commission.
He commended the ULSI and its Jolly Phonics Initiatives for a job well done.
Earlier, State Project Manager of the Jolly Phonics Initiatives, Mr Seyi Alake commended the support and commitment of the Board towards improving literacy in the state. He said the state ranks the best in the federation and called for more support.
He said its outfit has concluded plans to distribute new technological innovation called Jolly Phonics Life Player at five components each to each of the states in Nigeria, including Federal Capital Territory before the end of the year, promising that Ondo State would be the first to receive its own.
According to him, Jolly Life Player is a solar powered educational learning solutions that can be used by pupils without reachers supervision.
At the meeting were the Director of School Services, Mr Balogun; Jolly Phonics Desk Officer, Mrs Ogundare Olayinka; and its state Coordinator, Mrs Dolapo Faturoti who came with his principal on the visit.
