inaugurates TESCOM board, charges members on integrity, fairness
By Fisayo Akinduro
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to repositioning the education sector, describing it as the most critical pillar of human development and progress.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly appointed members of the Ondo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) held at the Cocoa Conference Centre, Governor’s Office, Akure, Aiyedatiwa said the event marked another milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the foundation of education.
“Today marks another milestone in our continuing effort to strengthen the foundation of education in our dear State,” the governor said.
He described education as the light that guides the path to progress, the tool that shapes people and the bridge between dreams and their realisation.
“From the very beginning of this administration, we made a solemn commitment to reposition our education sector, not merely as a policy statement, but as a living promise to the children and youth of Ondo State,” he stated.
The governor emphasised that no society can rise above the quality of its teachers, noting that a strong teaching force is key to building a strong future.
“That is why our administration continues to invest deliberately in education and empower the institutions that regulate and support our teachers,” he added.
Aiyedatiwa explained that the inauguration reflected his administration’s dedication to entrusting responsibility to capable hands to ensure that the dreams for schools, teachers and students continue to find practical expression in sound governance and efficient service delivery.
“To the newly appointed members of TESCOM, I say congratulations! This is a call to serve at the most critical human level of development education. Hence, you have to engage this role with dedication and vision,” the governor charged.
He stated that the appointments were based on integrity, competence and a proven record of service, stressing that the state government was confident in their capacity to make a difference.
“You are all stepping into a crucial agency that affects the lives and livelihoods of thousands of teachers, and by extension, the destinies of countless students across our State. TESCOM is not just another government board; it is the heart of our public education system. Its decisions shape the welfare, discipline and professional growth of our teachers, who in turn shape the minds of our future leaders,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He urged the board members to discharge their duties with humility, fairness and commitment, pointing out that the success of the Commission depends largely on the integrity of its processes.
“Our administration has made significant progress in the education sector. We have recruited a new generation of teachers, improved school infrastructure and enhanced our monitoring mechanisms across the state. These efforts have already begun to yield results and we are proud of the renewed energy we see in our classrooms,” he added.
The governor charged the new board to consolidate on these gains, ensure fairness and transparency in the posting of teachers, promote professionalism and accountability, and maintain discipline with compassion.
He also emphasised the importance of continuous training and capacity development, saying: “The world is changing rapidly, and so must our teachers. A teacher who stops learning cannot effectively inspire learning in others. I expect you to work closely with the Ministry of Education and other relevant agencies to strengthen coordination, implement policies effectively, and ensure that every teacher in Ondo State feels supported, motivated and proud to serve.”
Describing teachers as the unsung heroes who light the flame of knowledge in children, Aiyedatiwa said they deserve the best in welfare, respect and recognition.
“A motivated teacher produces a confident student, and confident students build a confident society. I was once a teacher too and I have seen the dividends of that calling,” he stated.
He reminded the board members that the Public Service is a sacred trust, warning that every decision, policy or posting they make would affect families and the future of children in the state.
“You must therefore act with transparency, fairness and humility. Remember always that your ultimate obligation is to serve the people of Ondo State, and to serve them well,” he said.
The governor urged them to uphold diligence, teamwork and innovation in their leadership, adding that the interest of teachers and students must remain at the centre of their decisions.
“On this note, and by the powers vested in me as Governor of Ondo State, I hereby inaugurate the new Board of the Ondo State Teaching Service Commission. Congratulations once again. May God grant you wisdom, strength and success in the discharge of your duties,” he concluded.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, commended the governor for his deep understanding of the place of Ondo State in Nigeria’s education system, noting that the state had maintained a national reputation for excellence.
“We have a standard in Nigeria. We’re always at the top there. And the testament to this is that recently, two of our teachers were recognised nationally. We had the best junior secondary school teacher award in the country that was given two weeks ago.
“And also, for private institutions, Ondo State’s teacher got the best award all over the country. So we have two. I think all the things Mr Governor has put into place will definitely make things go better for us. We’re looking forward to a better future for us in Ondo State,” Fasoranti said.
He expressed appreciation to the governor for his unwavering commitment to improving education in the state, describing his leadership as visionary and result-oriented.
“I wish the newly appointed chairman and board members the best in their new roles. As you embark on this journey, I encourage you to prioritise collaboration and transparency. Engage with all stakeholders, teachers, parents, and students. Get involved in the lives of the community you are being selected to serve. The success of our educational policies hinges on our ability to work together as a unified team,” he said.
In her acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated TESCOM Chairman, Dr (Mrs) Oluwadaisi Oke, expressed gratitude to God and to the governor for the opportunity to serve, describing the ceremony as a testament to years of hard work and dedication to public service.
“I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude. Today’s ceremony is not just a celebration of acquaintance, but a testament to years of dedication, hard work, commitment to excellence in education and public service,” she said.
She appreciated the trust and confidence reposed in her by the governor to steer the affairs of the Commission at a crucial time, assuring that she and her team would justify the confidence.
“Mr Governor, this appointment, I know, is based on experience, discipline and education. And I want to plead before others, that this trust upon which it rests on us, we will work to justify it,” she added.
She further commended the efforts of the organising committee and all who worked behind the scenes to ensure the smooth success of the ceremony, praying that their labour of love be richly rewarded.
Other members of the board are Hon. Ajani Oladipupo, Mrs. Titilayo Fayoriju, Mrs. Ojuolape Aderemi and Alhaji Isiaka Usman, who are all full-time members. The part-time members include the Chairman of ASSUT, the Chairman of PTA, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Finance.
Among dignitaries present were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Adeniran Ikuomola; members of the State Executive Council; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi; Director General of the OSRC Media Group, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; traditional rulers; permanent secretaries; and other top government officials.