Ondo SUBEB, UBEC distribute, books, instructional materials to pupils, teachers

The Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has distributed instructional materials to pupils in public schools across the state for achieving effective teaching and learning.

Speaking at the distribution of the materials on Thursday in Akure, Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said that the state government, under the UBEC/SUBEB intervention programme, had procured textbooks and Android tablets designed in tandem with emerging realities and innovation in school curriculum to enhance teaching.

Akeredolu, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Pastor Femi Agagu, said that his administration had been doing the gesture on yearly basis since its inception, adding that this edition has been made elaborate for the awareness and proper monitoring of stakeholders.

“Today, materials to be distributed to our public/primary and junior secondary school learners include the following: 13,957 Basic Science teaching textbooks, 13,344 mathematics textbooks, 13,790 English Studies Textbooks, 153 Android Tablets; 1,600 History Textbooks, 13,478 Jolly Phonics Textbooks for Teachers.

“Others are: 5,650 Assorted Library Books, funded jointly by UBEC and SUBEB, as well as 3,500 Computer Studies Textbooks, Charts and Nigerian Map procured solely by the state government late last year to complement the UBEC/SUBEB intervention,” he stated.

The governor recalled that his administration started the drive of revamping and transforming education in the state in 2017 with the payment cf backlog of Counterpart Fund for years 2013 to 2016 and subsequent years.

According to him, this will enable the government to drawdown the UBEC and SUBEB funds for the renovation of schools, construction of new school buldings, construction of perimeter fences, procurement of 1CT equipment, furniture items, among others.

He asked school managers to ensure that the materials are truly distributed and not for decoration of the book shelves.

“They are to be used for training and development of learners by our teachers and education managers, whose capacity have been significantly enhanced over the years for the administration of the materials and other learning tools for effective teaching.

“It is our belief that access to these materials will invariably improve the performance of our learners in both internal and external examinations.

“Therefore, SUBEB must ensure that the materials are distributed to the 18 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAS) and also monitor their availability to the teachers and learners who are the end users,” he said.

Akeredolu, therefore, warned that sharp practices in the management of the items on the part of anyone in the distribution chain would be duly sanctioned.

He reiterated his determination to continue to ensure adequate security of lives and property of people and provision of a conducive environment for businesses to thrive without any hinderance.

He called for more support, cooperation, and dedication from people of the state in order for his administration to achieve a vibrant education system for the state.

Early, the Chairman of SUBEB in the state, Hon. Victor Olabimtan, stated that the Akeredolu-led government recognised that sound basic education is the bedrock for effective human being, hence the continuous attention being paid to education.

Olabimtan added that the drive had enabled total commitment in paying UBEC/SUBEB matching grants from 2013 to date.

He explained that this had led to massive construction, renovation of school infrastructure in the public schools as well as provision of furniture and instructional materials.

The SUBEB Chairman said that the yearning of UBEC and SUBEB to ensure excellence and distinction in teaching and learning could not be achieved if the procured materials are not effectively distributed and utilized.

He urged  teachers, learners and parents to ensure the judicious use of the materials.

In his words, the state Head of Service, Mr Kayode Ogundele, asked teachers in the public schools to pay attention to pupils in their schools and bring out best from them.

Ogundele, who appreciated the state governor, said that the gesture would prompt stakeholders to aim for the best.

Also speaking, the Administrative Secretary of UBEC in the state,  Mrs Nike Adams, said that the instructional materials would greatly and positively  impact teachers and pupils across public schools in the state.