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Re-accreditation of all private schools, sanction for illegal ones

Ban on underage admissions and unauthorized curricula

Prohibition of graduation ceremonies for nursery and JSS 3 classes

Approval for textbook re-use in secondary schools

Plans to digitize all schools in the state

The Ondo State Government has announced sweeping reforms in the education sector aimed at restoring its lost glory and ensuring strict compliance with standards.

At a stakeholders’ meeting with private school owners across the 18 local government areas, the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, outlined key decisions designed to sanitize operations in private schools.

Among the directives are the ban on elaborate graduation ceremonies for non-exit classes (nursery and JSS 3), prohibition of underage admissions, and re-accreditation of all private schools for quality assurance.

Prof. Ajibefun stressed that illegal and unregistered schools would no longer be tolerated, noting that operators of such schools have a six-month grace period to secure approval. He said, “When you run an unapproved school, you are running an illegal business. This administration will not allow illegalities. In the coming weeks, new approval guidelines will be released.”

He further emphasized compliance with the use of approved textbooks, adherence to the state’s school calendar, and alignment with the official curriculum. The commissioner also warned against the use of foreign curricula and age-inappropriate learning materials without clearance from the Ministry.

On excursions and extra lessons, Ajibefun directed schools to seek prior approval due to prevailing security concerns and cautioned against making extra lessons compulsory.

The government also approved the re-use of textbooks in secondary schools to ease the financial burden on parents, stating that siblings can continue to use the same books over time.

Prof. Ajibefun disclosed that the state is working towards digitizing all schools, adding that pupils in both primary and secondary schools will soon be migrated to the Ministry’s digital learning platform.

He warned that private schools must meet the Ministry’s “irreducible minimum standards” or exit the sector entirely.

In response, proprietors and proprietresses of private schools applauded the reforms and commended the governor for appointing a professor as education commissioner. They, however, appealed for more time to complete re-accreditation and urged government to reduce bureaucracy in its dealings with private institutions.

— Bisi Lawani, Ministry of Education

In Nigeria, the sound of drums, jubilant cheers, and national pride often fill the air whenever our athletes return from an international competition with medals.

From football tournaments to track and field events, sportsmen and women are celebrated as national heroes, sometimes with presidential receptions, cash rewards, and national honours.

While such recognition is commendable, many believe it is time the country extended the same level of appreciation to those who excel in academics.

These are individuals whose intellectual brilliance in science, technology, innovation, literature, and other fields have also brought glory to the nation, yet often goes unnoticed.

In a chat with Engineer Olatunde Samuel, a disciplinarian and one of the old students of Saint Joseph College Ondo said honouring academic champions could inspire the younger generation to value knowledge and scholarship as much as they value athletic skill.

He added that Nigerian students have, in recent years, won global competitions in mathematics, robotics, debate, and engineering design.

Yet, many of these achievements pass quietly, without fanfare or reward.

“When a Nigerian wins gold in sports, the entire country celebrates. But when a Nigerian student tops an international science fair, it’s often mentioned briefly in the news, and then forgotten.

That sends the wrong message to our youths about what our society values most.”

In this light, I appeal to Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as well as private organisations, to recognise Samuel Opeyemi Akinpelumi, a student of Saint. Joseph College, Ondo, who represented Nigeria at the 2025 International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) in France.

Competing among students from over 84 countries, he emerged among the top three, a truly outstanding feat.

Akinpelumi returned to Ondo State with an international prize and a prestigious one-year mentorship with Thales, a global technology leader.

Sadly, his remarkable achievement went largely unnoticed by both state and federal authorities. Dr. Marko of Thales described him as “an extraordinary student who must be encouraged.”

According to him: “this young genius has not only made Ondo State proud globally but has also written the Sunshine State’s name in gold worldwide.

His excellence is not by chance, he has a history of exceptional performance.

In 2023, he won the Ekimogun Youth Connect Mathematics Competition and Scholarship Awards. That same year, he emerged third best at the National Mathematical Centre’s Nigeria Mathematical Olympiad, earning a Certificate of Merit.”

“Also in 2023, he won the Best Student in English Award from the Saint. Joseph College Old Boys 1993 Set.

His brilliance continued in 2024 when he became the overall best student at the National Olympiad Competition, leading to his appointment as Prep Ambassador by the Daramola Adeosun Foundation (DAF).

He also showcased his intellectual mastery at the Simbiat Adeyeye Quiz Competition.”

This is not an isolated case. In 2023, a team of Nigerian secondary school students stunned the world by winning the International Robotics Competition in Geneva, Switzerland.

Their innovative automated irrigation system drew global praise, yet at home, the recognition paled in comparison to that given to sports stars.

Creating a culture that celebrates academic success will inspire more young people to pursue excellence in research, innovation, and knowledge creation.

Such achievements could lead to solutions for pressing challenges in healthcare, energy, and technology.

Parents and educators are now calling on government bodies, corporate organisations, and the media to give academic achievers equal visibility and incentives, through national awards, scholarships, and public recognition ceremonies.

Sports will always hold a special place in our hearts, but the mind is also a powerful tool for nation-building. It’s time to celebrate our thinkers the same way we celebrate our athletes.

As Nigeria continues to nurture talents in all fields, expanding the celebration of excellence beyond sports will help build a more balanced, forward-looking society, one where both the body and the mind are equally honoured.

Dear Hon. Fayemi Obayemi,

I am absolutely elated to learn of the honorary doctorate conferred upon you today by Pal University! This prestigious honor is a true reflection of your unwavering dedication to community development, your outstanding contributions both locally and globally, and your relentless pursuit of excellence.

You are a shining example of hard work, integrity, and purposeful leadership. I couldn’t be prouder to call you not only my sister but also my cherished aburo. Your achievements continue to inspire many, and this well-deserved recognition is yet another testament to the incredible impact you have made and continue to make.

I celebrate this remarkable milestone with you and eagerly look forward to the many greater heights you will surely attain. You are deeply admired, dearly loved, and highly celebrated.

Congratulations, Dr. Fayemi Obayemi!

With heartfelt admiration,
Dr. Wilson E. Balogun

The Yangede of Epe community in Ondo State, Oba Oyebade Akinkuade Isaac (65), along with two others, Philip Akinrintan (61) and Tolu Akinwande (56), have been brought before an Akure Chief Magistrate Court over allegations of unlawful excavation and environmental degradation.

The trio was brought before the court on a five-count charge bordering on forcible entry, breach of peace, willful damage to economic crops, unlawful degradation of surface soil, and destruction of survey beacon pillars.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired to unlawfully excavate and cart away approximately ten tipper loads of sand, valued at N35 million, from land belonging to one Akintunde Akinrele Johnson. The incident reportedly occurred in February 2024 at Epe, within the Ondo judicial division.

The prosecution stated that the act was carried out in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace, as the land was in the peaceful possession of the complainant. The defendants were also accused of willfully degrading the surface soil and damaging economic crops estimated at N2 million. Additionally, they allegedly destroyed survey beacons worth another N2 million.

The offences contravene Sections 517, 81, 451, and 457 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Police Prosecutor, Mr. Tolu Abisagbo, informed the court of the prosecution’s readiness, noting that five witnesses would be called to testify. He requested an adjournment to assemble all evidence and serve proof to the defence.

Defence counsel, Barrister Jimoh Famoritiye, applied for bail on behalf of the defendants, urging the court to grant it on liberal terms. He assured the court of their willingness to appear at all proceedings, noting particularly that Oba Akinkuade, being a traditional ruler and a respected community leader, poses no flight risk.

Chief Magistrate Odenusi-Fadeyi, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties each in like sum. The sureties are required to provide evidence of tax payment for the years 2024 and 2025, and their residences must be verified by the police.

The case was adjourned to September 8, 2025, for hearing.

Ondo State House of Assembly Member representing Ilaje Constituency II, Honorable Princess Olawumi Annah Fayemi-Obayelu, has extended her heartfelt congratulations to the Super Falcons’ exceptional defender, Demehin Tosin, a proud daughter of Ilaje, on her remarkable victory alongside her teammates at the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco.

In a statement signed by her Special Legislative Assistant, Lemadoro Felix Ife, Princess Fayemi-Obayelu celebrates this outstanding achievement as a moment of pride for the entire Ilaje community, stating:

Tosin’s resilience, discipline, and passion on the field have not only contributed to Nigeria’s continental triumph but have also brought immense honor to Ilaje nation. We are proud to call her our own, and her success serves as a powerful inspiration to our young girls who dream of greatness. This is a victory for Nigeria, for Ondo State, and especially for Ilaje.

She applauds the Super Falcons for their dedication and for once again proving Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football on the African
stage, urging continued support for female athletes who continue to uplift the nation.

Concludes Profiling, Issues Guidelines, and Orders Continuous Registration

The Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, Hon. Andrew Ogunsakin, has officially lifted the ban earlier placed on scavenging and scrap metal activities within the local government area.

This decision follows the successful completion of a comprehensive profiling and registration exercise for individuals and operators engaged in the business across the council.

As part of the process, the biodata of all registered scavengers are now securely documented in the council’s database, and the exercise will remain continuous to accommodate new entrants and updates.

To ensure sanity, accountability, and public safety, the council has issued official identification jackets and numbers, ID cards, and branded stickers to all verified scavengers. The Chairman emphasized that only individuals in possession of these identifiers are authorized to operate within the local government area.

He further warned that anyone found engaging in scavenging activities without proper identification will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

Hon. Ogunsakin also called on the general public to remain vigilant, cooperate with the authorities, and refrain from taking laws into their own hands. He urged residents to promptly report any form of suspicious or illicit activity to the appropriate security agencies or the local government office for swift action.

The council remains committed to ensuring a safe, organized, and inclusive economic environment for all lawful businesses, and the people in Okitipupa Local Government.

Tosin Ayejusunle
Press Secretary to the Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government
16th July, 2025

Hon. Olakanmi Olayinka has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Hon. Otunba Wale Akinlosotu on his well-deserved appointment as the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora in Ondo State.

The Special Assistant on Mobilization to the State Governor described the appointment as a testament to Hon. Akinlosotu’s proven capacity, unwavering dedication, and the trust reposed in his leadership by the people and government of Ondo State. He noted that Akinlosotu’s wealth of experience and passion for inclusive development will undoubtedly enhance the state’s engagement with the diaspora and strengthen regional cooperation.

“As you assume this critical role,” Olayinka stated, “I wish you wisdom, strength, and success in your efforts to drive meaningful policies that connect our people both at home and abroad.”

Once again, congratulations, sir.

As part of her continued commitment to grassroots development, Hon. Princess Olawumi Annah Fayemi-Obayelu, Member representing Ilaje Constituency II at the Ondo State House of Assembly, is set to roll out the second phase of her widely applauded Ward-to-Ward Mega Empowerment Program.

The launch coincides with her second anniversary in office and reaffirms her unwavering dedication to the economic and social empowerment of her constituents.

The program is designed to provide vital resources, vocational training, and targeted support across all wards in Ilaje Constituency II. Through this initiative, Hon. Fayemi-Obayelu aims to enhance self-reliance and stimulate sustainable economic development at the community level.

Details on the schedule, venues, and nature of empowerment activities will be made available in the coming days. Constituents are encouraged to stay informed and take full advantage of this life-changing opportunity.