10th July, 2017
Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Monday inaugurated the newly constituted board of Oyo State Education Trust Fund as part of efforts to transform the education sector in the state.
The inauguration was held at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
The Oyo ETF evolved through a bill that was passed into law in June 2016.
The newly inaugurated board has Chief Onikepo Akande, a former minister and President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries, as its chairperson.
Ajimobi said at the inauguration that the education sector, which used to be pride of the South West Zone, was facing challenges.
He said the newly inaugurated board would mobilise funds to complement the efforts of government at all levels in the provision of qualitative education.
“This board will ensure successful completion of intervention projects by forming a viable and enduring partnership with other relevant stakeholders.
“It will also ensure accountability and transparency in the management of such funds,’’ he said.
“By the time resources are pooled, we can confidently be talking of a conducive learning environment, improved and adequate physical facilities and qualified teachers.
“We will vigorously pursue moral uprightness in schools to ensure that our students are worthy in character and learning as members of the larger society,’’ he said.
The governor, however, urged parents to show a higher degree of concern, interest, care and financial commitment to the overall development of their children.
“We have seen some parents neglecting their responsibilities and obligations to the education and development of their children.
“This has been a cause of concern for me.
“As parents, we must devote time to know what our children are doing in school.
“You must find time to check their books and visit their teachers to know their performances and class attendance,’’ he added.
Ajimobi also urged members of the board to be dedicated and committed to the realisation of the objectives of the fund.
Earlier, Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, had said the policies evolved by the administration had started yielding positive results.
Akande, on her part, said the fund was determined to complement the efforts of the government in boosting the quality of education in the state.
“This is one of the very significant legacies of our late sage and elder statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“Today’s event is yet another major step to sustain the legacy.
“The quality of human capital is dependent largely on the investment in education.
“It is the quality of people that determine the pace of development in any society.
“We are committed to the values of integrity, hard work, transparency, equity and fear of God in the discharge of our duties,’’ she said.