‘Key into our free education system’, Ondo State govt urges parents

By Lateef Ibrahim

The Ondo State Government has called on parents to take advantage of its free education policy, coupled with improved facilities in public schools across the state, to enroll their wards in school.

The Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), Hon. Victor Olabimtan, made this call during the flag-off, of the Advocacy Enrollment Drive Campaign for the 2025/2026 academic session in Akure, the state capital at the weekend.

The programme, conducted in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja, aims to encourage parents to enroll their wards in public schools instead of private schools.

Olabimtan, according to a statement by Prince Bolu Diesel Ajijo, Director, Information & Public Relations, ODSUBEB, highlighted the government’s significant investment in the basic education sector, stating that learning for the nine years from kindergarten to senior secondary school is free in the state.

During the campaign, which traversed major roads and streets in Akure city, Olabimtan emphasized that the quality of education in public schools surpasses that of private schools.

He noted that the least qualified teachers in public schools must hold a National Certificate in Education (NCE), with most specializing in Early Child Care Development Education (ECCDE) and primary education.

Furthermore, Olabimtan mentioned that the state government, under the leadership of Dr. Lucky Orisimisan Aiyedatiwa, is providing free desks, lockers, instructional materials, and sports equipment to make schools attractive to learners and teachers.

At every major road junction, the ODSUBEB Chairman, supported by stakeholders, urged residents not to waste their money on exorbitant fees charged by private schools when the state government is offering quality education at no cost.

One of the major highlights of the advocacy campaign was the distribution of fliers highlighting the benefits of public schools and the achievements of the current administration in the education sector.

Stakeholders present included staff from UBEC, ODSUBEB, market women and men, state executives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Association of Head Teachers of Primary Schools of Nigeria (AOHPSON), Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), NGOs, and members of the press.