The Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), have distributed teaching and learning materials, alongside sports equipment, to out-of-school children in Public Primary Schools across the State.

Speaking at the official distribution ceremony at the NUT Hall, Kuto, Abeokuta, Chairman, SUBEB, Evang. Olalekan Ifede, said the initiative was aimed at enhancing classroom teaching and improving learning outcomes.

He noted that the materials were procured through the Federal Government/UBE intervention funds to address the challenges of out-of-school children in the State.

 Ifede, added that the inclusion of sports equipment would help promote physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, resilience and healthy competition among learners, explaining that the initiative was a testament of a strong collaboration between the State government and UBEC.

“These materials will provide vital support to our teachers, enrich classroom experiences, stimulate learners’ interest and strengthen the overall quality of teaching and learning across our schools,” he said.

 In his remarks, the Permanent Member I, Barr. Femi Odufowokan, said the State had recorded significant progress in the education sector, particularly under the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun over the past seven and a half years, while appreciating UBEC for its continued partnership.

Also, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, represented by the Southwest Zonal Director, Mrs. Okei Beatrice, stated that the intervention aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which had prioritised education as a key driver of national development.

 She highlighted that similar interventions across the country included; the distribution of millions of school bags, sandals, sport equipment as well as writing materials, noting that such efforts were designed to boost school enrolment and reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, Director, Administration and Supplies, Mr. Femi Fatade, urged learners to make effective use of the materials to improve their academic performance, calling on stakeholders in the education sector to sustain collaborative efforts towards strengthening basic education in the State.

 In their separate goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Mariam Oloko, Chairman of the Confederation of Education Secretaries, Mr. Ali Muhammad, President of the Association of Primary School Teachers of Nigeria (APSTON), Comrade Salisu Kazeem and State Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), Mr. Juwon Labode, commended the Board and other stakeholders, noting that investment in education remained a critical investment in the future.

 Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, a representative from the School of Children with Special Needs, Ilaro, Rasheed Oluwadamilare, expressed appreciation to both the Federal and State governments for the gesture, pledging that the materials would be used judiciously.