The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protect teachers in public primary schools, declaring that it will not tolerate any form of assault or harassment against them.

Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, gave the assurance during the 8th Quadrennial and 16th State Delegates Conference of the Association of Primary School Teachers of Nigeria (APSTON), Ogun State Wing, at the NUT Hall, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Ifede warned that no individual would be allowed to intimidate or attack teachers while carrying out their official duties, stressing that the State would defend its educators against any form of aggression. He called for the restoration of societal respect for teachers, describing them as custodians of knowledge and moral development.

“You cannot come into the school and molest our teachers. Ogun State will not take that. And I want to assure you, if anything of such comes up, don’t hesitate to report immediately. If you cannot reach me directly, reach me through anyone who can,” he stated.

He urged teachers to uphold dignity, professionalism and confidence in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that educators deserved honour and recognition in the communities they serve.

Ifede also commended the cordial relationship among APSTON, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and AOSPHON, saying the synergy had enabled SUBEB to work harmoniously towards improving learning outcomes across the State.

He reiterated the Board’s commitment to strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy, emphasizing that teachers must ensure learners could read, write and communicate effectively.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ogun State Wing, Comrade Sewakanu Noah, congratulated APSTON on its milestone conference and applauded SUBEB’s leadership. He noted that since Evangelist Ifede and other board members assumed office, the Board’s operations have recorded remarkable improvements across various areas.

Delivering his welcome address, APSTON State President, Comrade Idowu Otaiku, highlighted some of the association’s achievements, including maintaining a cordial relationship with the government, securing and equipping an administrative office at the NUT House, actualising the use of typed lesson plans for primary school teachers, reviewing the association’s constitution and providing souvenirs to members.

He appealed to the State Government to address lingering challenges such as the disparity between the grade levels of primary and secondary school teachers, among other issues.