Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board

‎Photographs taken during the one-day Sensitisation Programme for key actors on the implementation of the HOPE-EDU Programme held at NIMAN Hotel and SUITES, lgbede, Off Akungba Road, Ikare- Akoko, for stakeholders from the Northern Senatorial District of the State. The programme brought together education administrators, stakeholders, and other critical actors to deliberate on strategies for the effective implementation of the HOPE-EDU initiative aimed at improving the standard of basic education across the State. Participants were enlightened on policy directions, programme objectives, and the importance of ensuring that learners in both public and private schools are properly captured for effective and accurate data management towards achieving sustainable educational development.
‎The sensitisation programme also provided an avenue for robust discussions, knowledge sharing, and active stakeholder engagement on the goals and expected impact of the HOPE-EDU Programme. Resource persons emphasised the need for commitment, accountability, and the active participation of all key actors in ensuring the successful implementation of the programme. The event recorded an impressive turnout and further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through inclusive planning, effective coordination, reliable data management in the education sector.
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Photographs taken during the one-day Sensitisation Programme for key actors on the implementation of the HOPE-EDU Programme, held at Black Gase, Awawa FM Road, Okitipupa, in the Southern Senatorial District. The programme brought together critical stakeholders in the education sector, including education administrators, school managers, community representatives, and other relevant actors, with the aim of deepening understanding of the objectives, strategies, and expected outcomes of the HOPE-EDU Programme across the state.
The sensitisation programme featured interactive sessions, presentations, and discussions focused on strengthening collaboration among stakeholders for effective implementation of the programme. Participants were enlightened on their various roles and responsibilities in ensuring the successful delivery of quality educational initiatives under the HOPE-EDU framework. The event also provided an avenue for participants to share ideas, ask questions, and make meaningful contributions towards improving the education sector within the Southern Senatorial District and Ondo State at large.

PRESS RELEASE.
ONDO GOVT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DIGITAL EDUCATION DATA MANAGEMENT THROUGH DNEMIS EXERCISE.

The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the education sector through credible digital data systems and effective educational planning. This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, during a stakeholders’ meeting on the Digital National Education Management Information System (DNEMIS) data gathering exercise for the HOPE-EDU Programme, held at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, Alagbaka, Akure.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Akindele Ige, emphasized the importance of accurate and timely educational data in driving policy formulation, monitoring, evaluation, and resource allocation across the state. He explained that the DNEMIS exercise is designed to capture vital information on schools, enrolment, infrastructure, staffing, facilities, learners, digital readiness, and other key indicators required for effective educational planning and national reporting.

Professor Ajibefun further disclosed that the DNEMIS initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the World Bank-supported HOPE-GOV and HOPE-EDU programmes aimed at building a technology-driven and globally competitive education system in Ondo State. According to him, the State is expected to attain over 95 percent compliance in data entry across all schools to qualify for critical funding support, grants, technical assistance, and intervention programmes from the World Bank and other international development partners. He stressed that the active participation of both public and private schools is essential to the success of the exercise.

The Commissioner clarified that the data collection exercise is not targeted at any particular school or group of schools, but rather a strategic initiative intended to improve educational development across the State. He urged all stakeholders to provide maximum support to officials involved in the exercise to ensure seamless and successful data collection. He also warned against non-compliance, obstruction, submission of false information, or refusal to cooperate with authorized officers, noting that the government would apply appropriate sanctions in line with existing laws and regulations guiding school operations in Ondo State.

Professor Ajibefun appealed to school owners, administrators, and stakeholders to regard the DNEMIS exercise as a collective responsibility and a strategic opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of education in Ondo State. He expressed confidence that through collaboration and compliance, the State would achieve the objectives of the programme and further strengthen its capacity to deliver quality education that meets global standards.

In her opening address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, noted that accurate educational statistics and indicators remain critical for effective planning, policy formulation, and the achievement of meaningful learning outcomes in the 21st century. She described the DNEMIS programme as a major step toward establishing a reliable framework for educational data management in Ondo State.

According to her, the initiative aligns with the “OUR EASE” development agenda of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and complements the educational and technological advancement goals of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She appreciated the Federal Ministry of Education for creating the DNEMIS platform as a unified system for educational data collection nationwide, while also commending the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for its continuous support in ensuring timely and accurate educational data across Ondo State.

Princess Bayo-Ilawole emphasized that the prudent and timely utilization of UBEC intervention funds by the State reflects the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery in the education sector. She added that DNEMIS would help government and education managers track progress, identify challenges, and implement effective solutions capable of improving learning outcomes for children across the State. She therefore urged all stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, and education officers, to participate actively in the exercise and contribute meaningfully toward building a transparent, efficient, and technology-driven education system.

During his presentation on the HOPE-EDU programme, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, ODSUBEB, Dr. Ayodele Akanle, noted that the proper capture of learners’ data on the platform would enhance the State’s chances of attracting more international funding and support for educational development. He stressed that the programme would provide reliable statistics for planning, monitoring, and policy formulation, while also ensuring that every learner is properly identified and documented within the education system.
Dr. Akanle further warned that any school that fails to capture the details of its learners on the platform may jeopardize future opportunities for such learners, as unregistered learners may not be eligible to participate in national and external examinations across the country.

Also speaking on the DNEMIS programme, the Director of Research and Statistics, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Folajimi Akinjagunla, explained that the successful implementation and migration of the programme would significantly strengthen the education sector through effective data management, improved planning, and enhanced accountability. According to him, the programme would also improve monitoring and evaluation processes, ensure proper documentation of learners, and support transparency in the administration of educational programmes.

Mr. Akinjagunla added that the successful ex*****on of DNEMIS would enable Ondo State to maximize the numerous benefits and opportunities available under the HOPE-EDU programme, while also aligning the education sector with global best practices in digital data collection and management.

In his contribution, the State Chairman of the School-Based Community Committee (SBCC), Rev. Nelson Fadoju, stressed the importance of maintaining strict confidentiality and security of learners’ data throughout the DNEMIS exercise. He advised all stakeholders, including school administrators, data officers, and technical personnel, to handle learners’ information with utmost care and professionalism in line with ethical standards and government regulations.

The Federal Ministry of Education recently introduced the Learners Identification Number (LIN) through the DNEMIS portal for all learners from Kindergarten to Secondary School levels in both public and private schools across the country. The initiative is designed to promote proper data collection, effective planning, and accurate educational record management for every learner. To ensure smooth implementation of the programme in Ondo State, training sessions for stakeholders and school representatives will be conducted across the State.

Banjo Egunjobi,
ODSUBEB.

Photographs taken during the conduct of the Promotion Interview exercise organised by the Management of Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB and held at Iro Mega Primary School. The exercise was aimed at assessing and promoting qualified staff members in line with the State Government's commitment to professionalism, transparency, efficiency, and improved service delivery in the education sector.
The interview session witnessed the presence of the Permanent Secretary, SUBEB, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole other Management team, education officers, supervisors, and participating staff across various departments. The exercise was conducted in an orderly and peaceful atmosphere, reflecting the Board’s dedication to merit-based career progression, capacity building, and the continuous improvement of administrative and educational standards within the state’s basic education system.

PRESS RELEASE.

SUBEB STRENGTHENS SOCIAL MOBILISATION CAPACITY TO BOOST BASIC EDUCATION IN ONDO STATE.

The Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community engagement and improving basic education outcomes through effective social mobilisation strategies.

This was highlighted during a three-day capacity-building workshop organised for Social Mobilisation Officers and key education stakeholders drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state.

Delivering the keynote address, the Permanent Secretary of SUBEB, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, emphasised the critical role of social mobilisation in advancing sustainable educational development.

She noted that education remains the foundation of meaningful societal progress and stressed that the active involvement of communities is essential for the success of government policies and programmes in the education sector.

Princess Bayo-Ilawole described the workshop as a strategic platform aimed at strengthening the link between schools and communities. According to her, effective mobilisation enhances enrolment, improves retention, and ensures the completion of basic education by learners, particularly among vulnerable groups.

She further outlined the responsibilities of Social Mobilisation Officers and stakeholders, which include promoting community participation in school activities, advocating increased school enrolment, strengthening School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), and ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of educational resources.
The Permanent Secretary also identified key challenges facing the education sector, such as low enrolment, irregular attendance, high dropout rates, weak community ownership of schools, and inadequate monitoring mechanisms.

She called for innovative thinking, stronger collaboration, and renewed commitment from all stakeholders to address these issues effectively.She stressed the need to move beyond theoretical discussions to practical implementation that delivers measurable impact at the grassroots level.

Princess Bayo-Ilawole, who expressed optimism that the workshop would inspire a renewed sense of purpose among participants, urged all stakeholders to work collectively towards building a more inclusive, responsive, and effective basic education system, ensuring that no child in Ondo State is left behind.

In her goodwill message, the State Coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mrs Olanike Adams, described Social Mobilisation Officers as a critical pillar in the successful delivery of basic education. She noted that they serve as a vital link between government policies and the people, as well as between schools and their host communities.

Mrs Adams, who was represented by the Chief Administrative Officer at UBEC, Mr Aremu Ayodeji, explained that the training was designed to strengthen the capacity of officers to effectively mobilise communities, boost school enrolment and retention, and promote inclusive access to education for every child.

She urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to enhance their skills and strategies, stressing that improved community engagement remains key to achieving sustainable progress in the basic education sector across the state.

One of the lead resource persons, Professor of Educational Management, Prof. Ayeni Adeolu Joshua of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, noted that the training programme was carefully designed with relevant and impactful topics to strengthen the capacity of Social Mobilisation Officers.

He explained that participants are being equipped with knowledge on the concepts and principles of advocacy, sensitisation, and mobilisation, as well as the key qualities and skills required for effective community engagement and service delivery.

He added that sessions also focus on innovative strategies for improving Universal Basic Education (UBE) enrolment drives and campaigns.

Prof. Ayeni further explained that the training addresses comprehensive strategies for reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state through a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, communities, and development partners.

He also emphasised the importance of the newly introduced 5% Matching Grant School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) component, including its implementation guidelines, noting that it is aimed at strengthening community participation, accountability, and improved management of basic education at the grassroots level.

Participants were encouraged to take full advantage of the training by engaging actively, sharing experiences, and developing actionable plans tailored to their respective Local Government Education Areas.

Banjo Egunjobi,
ODSUBEB.

PRESS RELEASE
ONDO STATE ADVANCES EDUCATION REFORM THROUGH SCALABLE AND LOCALIZED DIGITAL LEARNING INITIATIVE
The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the education sector through the adoption of a scalable and localized digital learning approach aimed at improving teaching quality and student outcomes across public schools. This effort is being implemented through a strategic partnership with EIDU GmbH, an educational technology organization dedicated to enhancing literacy and numeracy worldwide.
Speaking at the Steering Committee Meeting held at Royal Bird Hotel, Alagbaka, Akure, to review the progress, achievements, challenges, and the way forward for the programme, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, stated that since its inception, the initiative has recorded significant progress. She noted that this has been achieved through the deployment of Artificial Intelligence-powered Digital Personalized Learning (DPL), alongside structured English pedagogy designed to strengthen teachers’ instructional capacity.
Princess Bayo-Ilawole explained that the programme is currently reaching about 10,000 learners in Primary 1 to Primary 3 across four pilot Local Government Areas, Akure South, Akure North, Idanre, and Ifedore. She emphasized that the initiative has demonstrated remarkable impact in enhancing foundational literacy and numeracy through its innovative approach.
As part of the intervention, over 400 smartphones have been provided to support effective teaching and learning in classrooms. In addition, teachers, head teachers, and quality assurance officers have benefited from intensive capacity-building workshops aimed at improving digital literacy and instructional delivery.
Furthermore, more than 2,000 copies of the “Let’s Read” literacy textbooks have been distributed to participating schools to strengthen reading culture and improve foundational literacy outcomes among pupils.
The Permanent Secretary expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far, noting that it reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing the education sector. According to her, the success of the programme is a result of strategic planning, effective supervision, and the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.
She further stated that the initiative demonstrates the government’s dedication to improving learning outcomes, enhancing school infrastructure, and creating a more conducive environment for both teachers and pupils. Describing the programme as both strategic and impactful, she noted that it addresses critical challenges in public schools and promotes inclusive, quality education.
Princess Bayo-Ilawole commended EIDU for its significant contribution to the transformation of basic education in Ondo State and across participating states in Nigeria. She highlighted that the Digital Personalized Learning approach has greatly improved teaching and learning outcomes, particularly in early grade education where foundational skills are critical.
She also appreciated EIDU for its consistent technical and financial support, describing the initiative as a timely intervention that aligns with the state government’s education priorities. According to her, the partnership has strengthened classroom delivery, motivated teachers, and enhanced learner engagement, thereby laying a solid foundation for sustainable educational development.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, emphasized that the programme would reposition public education as a viable and attractive option for parents and guardians.
Represented by the Director of School Services, Mrs. Olubunmi Ilori, the Commissioner noted that the initiative would help address the declining interest in public schools. He added that beyond increasing enrollment, the programme would reduce truancy and instill discipline and commitment among learners.
He further stated that by improving the quality of teaching and learning, pupils in public schools would be better equipped to compete favorably with their counterparts globally.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Hon. Ologbese Kolawole, assured that the State House of Assembly would provide the necessary legislative backing to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the programme. He emphasized the legislature’s commitment to supporting policies that enhance education quality across the state.
In her contribution, the State Coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mrs. Olanike Adams, described the programme as a commendable and forward-thinking initiative aimed at revitalizing the basic education sector.
She noted that the intervention aligns with broader goals of improving access to quality education, increasing enrollment, and reducing learning gaps, while reaffirming UBEC’s commitment to supporting sustainable education initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of EIDU, the Head of Global Government Relations & Corporate Affairs, Mr. Femi Awoyefa, stated that among the nine states where the programme is currently being implemented, Ondo State has demonstrated the highest level of commitment.
According to him, this strong commitment has significantly contributed to the success of the initiative and serves as a key factor encouraging its continuation and potential expansion.
In her presentation, the Head of Strategy & Government Relations, EIDU Kenya, Mrs. Clara Ruiz, explained that the initiative operates on a comprehensive platform that functions both online and offline, ensuring uninterrupted access to learning resources regardless of connectivity challenges.
She noted that the programme is built on a modular and cost-efficient design that enables sustainable scaling while maintaining high delivery standards. Central to the initiative is the deployment of artificial intelligence to support adaptive and personalized learning, alongside structured support for teachers.
She added that the programme is aligned with the local curriculum and implemented in collaboration with relevant education authorities to ensure quality assurance and contextual relevance. It also leverages existing systems such as teacher training frameworks and Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) to enhance efficiency.
In her remarks, Senior EIDU Officer from Oyo State, Mrs. Mary Adubifa, highlighted that the digital platform empowers schools with advanced teaching tools, personalized learning pathways, and real-time monitoring dashboards that provide data-driven insights into student performance.
The EIDU initiative focuses on transforming foundational learning in public primary schools through the integration of technology and evidence-based teaching methods. Its core activities include the deployment of Digital Personalized Learning, which leverages artificial intelligence to tailor lessons to individual learners, particularly in literacy and numeracy.
In addition to classroom innovation, the initiative emphasizes teacher capacity development and system strengthening. It provides continuous training, coaching, and support for teachers while aligning its interventions with national education priorities to ensure sustainability and scalability.
Through these combined efforts, the programme is improving foundational skills, boosting enrollment and retention, and enhancing the overall quality of education in public primary schools.
The stakeholders collectively reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate closely with the state government in addressing the various challenges confronting the programme. They emphasized the importance of sustained partnership, open communication, and shared responsibility in ensuring that identified gaps are effectively bridged.

Banjo Egunjobi,
SUBEB