By Babatunde Ayedoju

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Educational stakeholders have commended the Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for approving the appointment of 1,100 teachers for public primary schools in the state, describing it as a step in the right direction for the educational development of the state.

Governor Aiyedatiwa had, last week, approved the appointment of the teachers through the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB) to fill critical vacancies in public primary schools across the state.

It would be recalled that the state government had earlier approved the employment of over a thousand teachers for public secondary schools in the state as well.

The stakeholders who spoke separately with The Hope during the week included former President of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and Pro-Chancellor of Federal University, Lafia, Nassarawa State, Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa (OFR); former Commissioner for Education in Ondo State, Chief Femi Aluko; and labour veteran, Pa Oyekan Arije.

Bashorun Arogbofa said that the Ondo State Government must be appreciated for the   recruitment exercise and the one that was done for public secondary schools about two weeks earlier, adding that it has been a long time since such an exercise took place in the state.

He said, “As a senior citizen and a seasoned educationist, I appreciate the Governor and would like him to go further by giving the newly recruited teachers the needed orientation course and ensuring that there is proper supervision for them.

“It’s a long time since we heard about the recruitment of teachers in the state. Therefore, this step is on course,” he added.

The renowned educationist admonished that the new teachers should be ready to work, stressing that they should endeavour to improve themselves educationally for maximum impact on the pupils.

Chief Aluko who described the recruitment as an excellent development also thanked the Aiyedatiwa-led administration for taking the bold step, adding that it is a positive omen for primary education in the state.

While encouraging the teachers to face their jobs squarely and be diligent, the elder statesman appealed to the government to prioritise their welfare.

Pa Arije also described the recruitment as a welcome development, but added that the state government should make it a regular exercise for the overall development of primary education in the state.

“Furthermore, the government should endeavour to make primary school education more affordable. In the past, education was free all over the western region, of which Ondo State was a part; and Chief Adekunle Ajasin of blessed memory who later became Governor of Ondo State wrote the blueprint for free primary education in the region. I enjoyed it for a year, likewise many other pupils at that time,” he added.