The Ondo State government, on Friday, flagged-off the distribution of teaching and learning materials to public primary schools across the state.

The materials include: 62,970 English studies textbooks, 45,555 mathematics textbooks, 10,345 knowledge English Studies, 12,012 Knowledge Mathematics and 87 cartons of assorted textbooks.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, at the event in Akure, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to strengthening the sector for quality and standard education.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, represented by the commissioner for education science and technology, Igbekele Ajibefun, said it marked a major milestone in their sustained efforts to strengthen the basic education foundation in the state.

The governor described the initiative as a significant step in his administration’s drive to reposition the education sector for excellence, inclusiveness, and global relevance.

He emphasised that education remained the most reliable instrument for sustainable development and societal advancement.

Mr Aiyedatiwa explained that the intervention, implemented in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), reflected the deliberate investment in human capital development.

He noted that providing adequate instructional materials is critical to improving teaching effectiveness and enhancing pupils’ academic performance.

The governor also said the state had consistently accessed UBEC/SUBEB intervention funds up to 2025, which had been utilised judiciously.

Mr Aiyedatiwa added that the distribution of the materials would reduce the financial burden on parents and guardians.

Earlier, the executive secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, commended the state government for their strategic and timely intervention in strengthening basic education.

Ms Garba described the initiative as a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to improving learning outcomes for Nigerian children.

She noted that the distribution of teaching and learning materials represented a practical demonstration of collaboration between the Federal and state government in advancing basic education.

The executive secretary emphasised that sustainable progress in the education sector required accountability, effective mentoring, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

She stressed the importance of ensuring that all distributed materials reached the intended schools and were properly utilised to improve teaching quality and pupils’ academic achievement.

Also, chairman, Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Victor Olabimtan, appreciated Aiyedatiwa for his consistent support and leadership in advancing basic education.

Mr Olabimtan stated that the distribution reflected the government’s priority to strengthen teaching and learning conditions in public primary and junior secondary schools.

He assured that SUBEB would remain committed to transparency, accountability, and the efficient distribution of the materials to all benefiting schools.

The SUBEB chairman reaffirmed the board’s dedication to supporting government initiatives aimed at building a strong, inclusive, and sustainable basic education system for the benefit of all learners in Ondo State.

Similarly, the permanent secretary of SUBEB, Abike Bayo-Ilawole, appreciated the government and UBEC for their continued support toward improving basic education in the state.

Mrs Bayo-Ilawole said the board had put in place effective monitoring and accountability measures to ensure that all materials were delivered to the appropriate schools and utilised for their intended purpose.

She reaffirmed the commitment of SUBEB management to efficient implementation of government educational programmes. 

(NAN)