Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has directed the Commissioner for Education to issue letters of appointment to the first batch of newly recruited teachers in the state.
The governor said the directive gives effect to the decision of the State Executive Council held in December last year, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening education and ensuring school safety across Osun State.
Governor Adeleke made this known while speaking at the Commendation and Solidarity Parade organised by the Stay-in-School Initiative at St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, where he described education as the most powerful tool for individual empowerment and sustainable development.
He explained that the Stay-in-School Initiative, which operates as a school policing and neighbourhood watch programme in line with the Federal Government’s Safe School Initiative, reflects the state’s resolve to protect the future of children through a safe and secure learning environment.
The governor commended the initiative for promoting community participation in school safety, noting that vigilance by communities, in collaboration with government and security agencies, is key to restoring excellence in the education sector.
Governor Adeleke further stated that beyond providing access to education, his administration is committed to guaranteeing the safety, retention and successful completion of schooling for every child, stressing that safe schools are essential for uninterrupted learning and social stability.
He expressed appreciation to the leadership and personnel of the Stay-in-School Initiative for their solidarity and support, describing security as a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of parents, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations and the wider community.
The governor assured that his administration would continue to prioritise education through policies and investments aimed at protecting students from violence, crime and social vices, while also providing a conducive environment for learning and character development. He urged students to remain focused and disciplined, parents to continue supporting their children, and officers of the initiative to remain professional and people-centred in the discharge of their duties.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dipo Eluwole, said the solidarity parade was a public affirmation of trust in Governor Adeleke’s administration, revealing that 300 Peace Corps members were engaged into the Stay-in-School Initiative to support the vision of sustainable development.
Also speaking, the Commandant and Lead Consultant of the initiative, Commandant Ayinde Kayode, commended the governor’s commitment to education, noting that bullying and other social vices among students have been reduced to a minimal level.
