Ekiti Charges Principals on Visionary Leadership

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, has called on secondary school principals to adopt visionary and ethical leadership to improve standards in public schools across the state.

Speaking at a one-day workshop for principals in Ado-Ekiti, Dr. Aderiye said such leadership is a major antidote to the challenges bedeviling secondary education in Nigeria.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Bayode Ogunmola, she noted that strong and forward-looking leadership is essential for driving innovation, improving teaching quality, and restoring public confidence in the education system.

She explained that the workshop was designed to equip school leaders with the skills and knowledge required to reposition public secondary schools, urging them to strive for excellence in their respective institutions.

“Principals must serve as visionary leaders who set clear goals, inspire teachers, and guide their schools toward long-term success,” she said.

In her welcome remarks, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Rhoda Ojo, described the gathering as an important opportunity for capacity building and leadership development.

She urged participants to actively engage with facilitators, noting that principals occupy strategic positions in shaping teaching, learning, and overall school administration.

In a goodwill message, the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatubosun—represented by the Director of Information Services, Mr. Tope Babalola—highlighted what he described as significant investments in the education sector since the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji took office in October 2022.

He said more than 2,500 teaching and non-teaching staff have been recruited into public secondary schools in the state over the past three and a half years, while over 200 schools have been equipped with digital learning facilities.

The government, he added, has also spent more than ₦1.5 billion on WAEC examination fees and provided financial support to schools and indigent students, alongside initiatives to recognise outstanding teachers through World Teachers’ Day awards.

According to Rt. Hon. Olatubosun, these interventions have contributed to increased student enrolment, improved academic performance, and a reduction in the number of out-of-school children in the state.

He stressed that funding and infrastructure alone are not sufficient to transform the sector.

“The success of our schools ultimately depends on leadership,” he said, urging principals to apply the lessons from the workshop in their schools.

Other stakeholders at the event—including the State President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, Mr. Akinbode Oke; the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Comrade Sola Adigun; and the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Mr. Lawrence Egbeyemi—commended the government’s efforts.

They stressed that effective and accountable leadership at the school level remains critical to achieving lasting improvements in education.