The Ondo State Government is set to host the 69th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, scheduled to hold from November 2 to 7, 2025. The NCE, being the highest statutory body responsible for steering decisions across Nigeria’s education sector, makes this a major event for both the state and the nation.

Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, affirmed the state’s readiness to welcome the Federal Ministry of Education team during a meeting at his office in Akure.

He expressed gratitude to the Ministry for bringing the NCE to Ondo State, adding that the council meeting would provide a valuable platform for stakeholders to assess national progress, identify systemic challenges, and develop a unified strategy.

Ajibefun assured that the state was fully prepared to manage the logistics and expectations of hosting the country’s premier educational summit. He emphasised the state’s commitment to ensuring a successful and productive meeting that would yield actionable policies.

Speaking on the purpose of the visit, the Ministry’s representative, Alhaja Abosede Olayiwola, explained that their inspection focused on assessing the level of preparedness, while highlighting the importance of careful planning for an event of this scale.

She noted that the meeting would be chaired by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Morufu Olatunji Alausa, and would attract delegates from across the nation. “A diverse group of high-ranking officials and policymakers will converge in Ondo State for the five-day summit,” she said.

Olayiwola added, “The expected delegates include Education Commissioners from all 36 states, alongside key Government functionaries from various Federal and State Ministries of Education, Higher Education, Science and Technology; Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Board, officials from the FCT Education Secretariat, federal and state education parastatals, and other relevant government agencies.”

For the 69th National Council, Olayiwola revealed that the theme is “Quality Education, Data and Professionalisation of Teaching; a Tool for Enhanced National Development.”

She emphasised that the NCE serves as the ultimate policy clearinghouse for Nigeria’s education system. Historically, its resolutions have driven nationwide reforms, curriculum updates, and revisions to teaching standards.

Decisions made at this council are subsequently implemented across all levels of education, from basic to tertiary, in every state.

Credit: Hope Newspaper