By Emmanuel Oluwadola
|
The Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has presented awards to some principals and students for their outstanding achievements.
This official award ceremony was held in Alagbaka, Akure.
The Principal of Igoba High School, Akure, Dr. Olobayo Theophilus Toyin, was presented with the award for the Top Maltina Teacher of the Year.
The Principal of Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure, Mr. Ogunleye Oke-Owo, won the Best Public Secondary School Administrator in Nigeria award. The Best Public Secondary School in Nigeria award went to Imade College, Owo.
The Principals of Saint Michael’s Catholic High School, Akure, Mr. Adeniyi Oluyide, and Saint Joseph College, Ondo, Pastor Olabisi Omotayo, were honoured for their creative exhibition of good human relations.
In his remarks, the Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Mr. Olufemi Agagu, congratulated the award-winning principals and students, emphasizing that these achievements are worth celebrating.
The commissioner acknowledged the commitment of the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to quality education. He added that with collective efforts, the ministry will be one of the best in Nigeria.
He announced that the awardees would be presented to the governor at the appropriate time for recognition, assuring that the ministry will continue to make the state proud without disappointment.
Reacting, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Folashade Adegoke, thanked the state government for releasing funds to advance the education sector in the state.
Speaking about their awards, Dr. Theophilus attributed his success to commitment, hard work, and support from helping hands, while Mr. Oke-Owo attributed his success to the enabling environment that allowed him to be efficient.
The Principal of Imade College, Owo, Mr. Toluwalase Fasawe, commended the state governor and the commissioner for their resilience and support. He stated that the new development posed a significant challenge to strive for more success in the education system.
Laurels and gifts won by exceptional secondary school students from the state at the 26th National Junior Engineers, Technicians, and Scientists (JETS) Competition, held at the Ultra-modern Youth Support Centre in Nyanya, Abuja, from October 15 to 22, 2023, were also presented.
Students from Dominion Science College, Owo, including Agboola Israel, who won the first position in Agricultural Sciences and Biology, and Ezekwe Anthony, who came first in Chemistry, showcased the excellence of the state’s education system.
Tenabe Blessed won gold and silver in Basic Technology and Basic Science, respectively. Students from Greater Tomorrow International College, Ikare-Akoko, Adeyemo Abdullah and Adeyemo Abdulrahman, won gold in Basic Mathematics and Basic Science, respectively, demonstrating the state’s educational prowess on a national level.
‘Libraries Facing Existential Threat,’ Warns Academic Librarian
An academic librarian, Prof. Lucky Abdulsalami, has declared that libraries in Nigeria face an existential threat. Speaking at an event in Edo State, Abdulsalami warned that librarians must seek creative solutions to adapt to societal changes for effective library and information services marketing.
The academic noted that while libraries remain the best source of wisdom and knowledge, introducing new technology and its application in libraries have opened up new avenues for marketing the library and its services.
“Libraries are developing marketing and promotion strategies to provide suitable services that will satisfy the needs of current trends while addressing the changing demands of more discerning users,” said the university librarian.
Abdulsalami advocated for excellent library services, appropriate staffing, and facilities in the context of marketing librarians and their services.
“To remain relevant in the digital age, librarians must gain a competitive edge and promote the added value in the services they provide for effective information handling and management. Effective marketing should be employed to promote access to library and information services as a solution toward sustainable libraries in the digital age,” he asserted.
