The Ondo State Government is preparing to host the 69th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting for the country in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and it has been scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7, 2025.
The National Council on Education is the highest statutory body responsible for making key decisions that chart the course of the entire education sector in Nigeria, making this a significant development for the state and the nation.
Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, conveyed the readiness of the state while playing host to the team from the Federal Ministry of Education in his office in Akure.
The commissioner appreciated the Federal Ministry of Education for bringing the NCE to Ondo State, while emphasising that council meeting would present an invaluable opportunity for stakeholders to take stock of national progress, identify systemic challenges, and forge a cohesive national strategy.
Ajibefun assured the visiting officials that the state was fully prepared to handle the logistics and high expectations associated with hosting the nation’s foremost educational summit.
The commissioner underscored the state’s readiness to facilitate a successful and fruitful meeting that would deliver actionable policies.
The Ministry’s representative, Alhaja Abosede Olayiwola, while speaking on the reason for their visit, noted that their visit was specifically to check the level of preparedness while also highlighting the importance of thorough planning for an event of this magnitude.
She said the meeting would be chaired by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Morufu Olatunji Alausa, and is expected to attract delegates from across the country.
In her words “diverse group of high-ranking officials and policymakers will converge in Ondo State for the five-day summit”
“The expected delegates include Education Commissioners from all 36 states, alongside key Government functionaries from various Federal and State Ministries of Education, Higher Education, Science and Technology; Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Board, officials from the FCT Education Secretariat, federal and state education parastatals, and other relevant government agencies”
For the 69th National Council, Olayiwola said the theme is “Quality Education, Data and Professionalisation of Teaching; a Tool for Enhanced National Development.”
The NCE serves as the ultimate policy clearing house for Nigeria’s educational architecture. Historically, its resolutions have resulted in nationwide reforms, curriculum reviews, and changes to teaching standards. The major policy decisions taken here will subsequently be implemented across all tiers of education from basic to tertiary in every state.