Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has 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, on Monday, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the event marked another milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the foundation of education.
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. That is why our administration continues to invest deliberately in education and empower the institutions that regulate and support our teachers,” the governor stated.
Aiyedatiwa explained that the inauguration reflected his administration’s resolve to entrust responsibility to capable hands to ensure that the dreams for schools, teachers, and students are translated into effective governance and efficient service delivery.
He noted that the appointments were based on integrity, competence, and a proven record of service, expressing confidence in the appointees’ 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,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the board members to discharge their duties with humility, fairness, and commitment, stressing that the success of the Commission depends largely on the integrity of its processes.
Highlighting his administration’s strides in the education sector, the governor said, “We have recruited a new generation of teachers, improved school infrastructure, and enhanced 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 also underscored the importance of continuous training and capacity building for teachers, 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.
“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 added.
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 has maintained a national reputation for excellence.
He said, “We have a standard in Nigeria, and we’re always among the best. Recently, two of our teachers were recognised nationally — one as the best junior secondary school teacher in the country, and another from a private institution who also emerged best nationwide. These achievements are a testament to the governor’s investment in education and commitment to excellence.”
In her acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated TESCOM Chairman, Dr. Oluwadaisi Idowu Oke, expressed gratitude to God and the governor for the opportunity to serve, describing the appointment as a call to greater responsibility.
“Mr Governor, this appointment, I know, is based on experience, discipline, and commitment to education. I assure you that we will justify the confidence reposed in us,” she said.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip (represented by Dr. Adeniran Ikuomola); members of the State Executive Council; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; former Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi; APC chieftain, Chief Olusola Oke; Director General of OSRC Media Group, Mr. Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; Chairman of SUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan; traditional rulers; and other top government officials.
