One-Day Teen Commissioner Calls for Ogun's Digital Education Investment

A 16-year-old final-year student from African Grammar School in Abeokuta, Ita Iyalode, along with Oluwagbemisoke Alaka, served as the One-Da...

A 16-year-old final-year student from African Grammar School in Abeokuta, Ita Iyalode, along with Oluwagbemisoke Alaka, served as the One-Day Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology in Ogun State on Thursday.

Alaka, who returned to work around 9:45 am at the Ministry under the Governor's Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, was greeted by the acting Commissioner, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, along with other senior officials of the department.

She secured the chance following her victory as the top winner in an essay contest hosted by the Adebiyi Habib Foundation for designated secondary schools in the region.

Prior to giving up his seat to the young person, Arigbabu mentioned that the program was designed to encourage and recognize diligence and outstanding performance by students in Ogun State.

The Commissioner stated, "Alaka has achieved a lot for herself and the state, and we are proud of her accomplishments. We hope this event inspires other students to strive for excellence in their education."

Amidst the sound of clapping, Alaka assumed the Commissioner's chair, signed several papers, and was subsequently shown around different sections of the ministry.

During the event, she called on the government to focus on funding ICT infrastructure in public schools.

She pointed out that with national exams like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and certain parts of the West African Examinations Council moving towards computer-based testing, students in Ogun State need to be properly equipped for the shift to digital formats.

Alaka voiced worry that just a small number of public schools currently possess operational CBT centers, urging targeted policy measures to bridge the disparity.

The One-Day Commissioner also urged the government to focus on teachers' well-being, emphasizing that no educational system can advance beyond the level of its teachers' quality and enthusiasm.

She praised the state government for the advancements made in the education field over the past six years, especially regarding infrastructure, but called for additional improvements to boost academic results.

Alaka characterized the chance to serve as a transformative experience, noting that it would encourage her to keep striving diligently and motivate other students throughout the state to pursue academic outstanding achievement.

The creator of the Adebiyi Habib Foundation, Habib Adebiyi, stated that Alaka was declared the victor from more than 300 students who took part.

Adebiyi stated that the foundation implemented the concept of appointing a One-Day Commissioner to enhance students' leadership skills and equip them for upcoming responsibilities.

He stated, "Our goal is to establish a supportive atmosphere for students to succeed in alignment with SDG Goal 4. Over the past three years, at least 50,000 students have gained direct or indirect advantages from our programs. We believe this initiative can serve as a model for students to develop leadership skills and focus on achieving excellence."

As a separate update, Mr. Abdulazeez Abdulrahmon, the champion of the 20th Spelling Bee Competition, acted as the One-Day Governor of Lagos State in October 2024.

Abdulrahmon, a pupil from Oriwu Senior Model College in Ikorodu, was welcomed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, at the Lagos House in Marina.

During the visit, Sanwo-Olu praised the student for his exceptional performance, highlighting that the Spelling Bee Competition keeps on boosting confidence and improving vocabulary skills for those involved.

During a different event held at the Exco Chamber, Lagos House, Ikeja, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, who welcomed Abdulrahmon on behalf of the governor, encouraged the young leaders to follow in the footsteps of previous achievers who have made significant contributions across different areas.

He highlighted both the present One-Day Governor and previous recipients as outstanding representations of Lagos State's dedication to developing upcoming leaders, encouraging them to maintain their focus on constructive progress and continue being proud representatives of the state.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).