By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has restated the commitment of his administration to the development of education system that meets the challenges and demands of the 21st century, describing it as the most valuable investment any government can bequeath on its citizens.
The governor stated this while receiving the Ekiti State born Teacher, Mr Oluwaseyi Anifowose , who recently set a Guinness World Record for organising the largest gathering of teachers in the world, in his office in Ado- Ekiti.
The governor said his administration is deliberately investing in reforms that will make education in the state globally competitive and responsive to modern realities.
He also noted that the world is changing rapidly and that the state must continuously upgrade its teaching methods, curriculum, and learning environment to produce citizens who can thrive in a knowledge-driven economy.
He emphasised that his government is deliberate about creating an education ecosystem that focuses on both quality teaching and conducive learning environment.
According to the governor , “ If you look at the six pillars of our administration, you will see human capital development, we try as much as possible to strike a balance between infrastructure and human development and we have been deliberate in ensuring that we create an ecosystem that strikes a balance between what you teach, how you teach it and where you teach it because we believe strongly that the future of education rests on those pillars.
“What you teach refers to curriculum and its relevance, how you teach speaks to technics and methodology and where you teach is the environment itself and through SUBEB and Ministry of Education, we have tried to upgrade our infrastructure, recalibrate our curriculum to make it relevant to the needs of the 21st century and we also try as much as possible to ensure that the welfare of the teachers is taken into consideration”
While congratulating Mr. Anifowose for his record-breaking achievement, the governor described it as a reflection of Ekiti’s intellectual strength and deep rooted respect for education.
Oyebanji assured that his government would continue to recognise and support Ekiti indigenes who bring honour to the state, adding that Anifowose’s achievement aligns with his vision of transforming education into a tool for empowerment, innovation, and sustainable development in the 21st century.
“ I congratulate you on behalf of Ekiti people. Let me first thank you for the honour you have done to Ekiti and for also lifting up the teaching profession which is one of the noble profession in the world but unfortunately people don’t see it that way but as a government we believe strongly that acquisition of knowledge is one of the greatest assets government should give to the citizens”. The governor asserted.
Earlier, Anifowose expressed his appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for granting him an audience, describing the gesture as a reflection of the governor’s genuine commitment to the development of the education system in the state.
He also thanked the governor for his continued investment in education and for his administration’s policies that have motivated teachers to perform better.
Anifowose, who said the visit was to officially present the Guinness World Record plaque to the governor, briefed the Oyebanji about the historic event that earned him the recognition and brought together over 15,000 teachers from across the country and beyond.
He said the event was not just about setting a world record, but creating a platform to give teachers a voice and recognise their indispensable contribution to nation building.
Also at the event were, Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Olabimpe Aderiye; Special Adviser to Governor on Tertiary Education, Prof Akeem Azeez; Special Adviser to Governor on Information, Mr. Taiwo Olatunbosun Special Adviser to Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola; Chief Press Secreatry, Mr Yinka Oyebode; Chairman SUBEB, Prof. Akinwumi, Director General, Community Communication, Mrs Mary Osho-Omotosho