Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning the state’s education sector, describing it as the most vital pillar of human development and progress.

Speaking on Monday, 13 October 2025, at the Cocoa Conference Centre, Governor’s Office, Akure, during the inauguration of the newly appointed members of the Ondo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Governor Aiyedatiwa said the event marked another milestone in the government’s drive to strengthen the foundation of education in the state.

The governor said education remains the light that guides the path to progress, the instrument that shapes human potential and the bridge between dreams and their fulfilment. “From the onset of this administration, we made a solemn commitment to reposition our education sector — not just as a policy statement but as a living promise to the children and youth of Ondo State,” he said. “That is why our government continues to invest deliberately in education and empower the institutions that support our teachers.”

Aiyedatiwa said the inauguration reflected his administration’s belief in capacity, integrity and competence, stressing that the appointees were selected on the basis of proven records of service and dedication. “You are stepping into a crucial agency that affects the lives of thousands of teachers and by extension the destinies of countless students. TESCOM is not just another government board; it is the heart of our public education system,” he said.

He urged the new board members to uphold fairness, transparency and innovation in their operations, noting that the success of the Commission depends largely on the integrity of its processes. The governor also highlighted progress achieved so far, including the recruitment of a new generation of teachers, improved school infrastructure and enhanced monitoring mechanisms, which he said were already yielding positive results across the state.

Aiyedatiwa emphasised the importance of continuous teacher training and professional development. “The world is changing rapidly, and so must our teachers. A teacher who stops learning cannot effectively inspire learning in others. I expect you to work closely with the Ministry of Education and other relevant agencies to ensure that every teacher in Ondo State feels supported, motivated and proud to serve. A motivated teacher produces confident students, and confident students build a confident society. I was once a teacher too and I have seen the dividends of that calling,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, commended the governor for his deep understanding of the place of Ondo State in Nigeria’s education system and noted that the state had maintained a national reputation for excellence. He drew attention to recent national recognition for Ondo State teachers, saying: “We recently had the best junior secondary school teacher in the country and our private school teachers also received top national awards. These achievements show that the governor’s efforts are yielding results.”

The newly inaugurated TESCOM Chairman, Dr Oluwadaisi Idowu Oke, in her acceptance speech, thanked God and the governor for the opportunity to serve. She described the appointment as a reward for years of hard work and public service and pledged that her team would justify the trust placed in them. “Mr Governor, this appointment, I know, is based on experience, discipline and education. We will work to justify the trust reposed in us,” she said.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Adeniran Ikuomola; members of the State Executive Council; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; former Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi; Chief Olusola Oke, chieftain of the APC and husband of the new TESCOM Chairman; Director General of the OSRC Media Group, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan; traditional rulers; and other top government officials.