Ekiti recommits to free, compulsory education as schools resume

The Ekiti State Government has reiterated its commitment to free and compulsory education up to Senior Secondary School (SS3) as both private and public schools resume on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, for the new academic session.

The government stated that its agenda is to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education at no cost.

It added that adequate provisions have been made for facilities such as furniture, as well as modern teaching and learning materials for the smooth running of the education sector.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Taiwo Olatunbosun, gave the assurance over the weekend during a two-day tour of some developmental projects executed by the current administration.

He said the goal is to improve educational access and outcomes in the state and foster a brighter future for coming generations.

Olatunbosun said that the numerous interventions by the state government are aimed at enhancing school enrolment, assisting economically disadvantaged students, promoting academic achievements, and reducing the number of out-of-school children to the barest minimum.

The commissioner added that as schools in the state resume for the new session, all 203 public secondary schools in the state have benefited from the construction of new structures, renovation of old ones, and provision of learning tools and running grants.

These efforts aim to ensure the smooth operation of the schools and create a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning in the state.

According to him, the Oyebanji administration also regularly provides financial support for indigent and other disadvantaged students through Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) and other interventions to their parents, in order to eliminate causes of increased out-of-school children and attend to the needs of students with special needs.

He said, “In addition to the structural upgrades, the government is prioritising science and technology by procuring cutting-edge laboratory equipment and ICT tools for education to prepare our students for the challenges of tomorrow. With this development, school children in the state now have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and modern computer systems that will aid them in science, technology, and innovation.”

Schools visited during the tour included the Model Smart School at the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) in Ijan Ekiti, the Special School in Ido-Ekiti with a newly constructed therapy room and renovated dining hall designed to foster a supportive environment for students with unique needs.

Other projects inspected by the team included the 100-capacity hostel at Command Secondary School, Isan Ekiti, the ultramodern ICT Centre and modernised Catering Department at Government Technical College, Igbara Odo, as well as the new ICT Centre at Corpus Christi College, Ilawe-Ekiti, and several other newly renovated buildings aimed at equipping students with essential skills for the digital age, among others.