TEACHERS TOLD TO LEVERAGE SOCIAL MEDIA FOR KNOWLEDGE SHARING

 TEACHERS TOLD TO LEVERAGE SOCIAL MEDIA FOR KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, has urged public primary school teachers across the State to deploy social media as a tool for professional development rather than the conventional entertainment usage.

Ifede gave the charge during a-day training tagged "Nestlé for Healthier Kids Teachers’ Training 2025" organised by Nestlé Nigeria Plc,  at Park-Inn by Radisson, Kuto, Abeokuta.

He noted that social media is rich with educational resources and applications that teachers could leverage to enhance their knowledge and teaching skills.

“Please don’t waste your time watching things that add no value to your profession. Look for areas on social media where you can improve yourself as far as your profession is concerned,” he advised.

The SUBEB boss noted that the Nestlé training programme was centered on teachers’ development, specifically equipping educators with the skills and knowledge required to effectively implement the initiative across public primary schools.

He explained that the programme covered 20 beneficiary schools across four local government areas including Abeokuta North, Obafemi-Owode, Sagamu and Ado-Odo/Ota.

“We all know that good health is central to personal development and contributes significantly to national growth and economic prosperity. Therefore, this programme remains an invaluable investment in our children’s future,” he added.

Ifede also highlighted some of Nestlé’s interventions in schools as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), including, Construction of VIP toilets and boreholes in 10 schools, Provision of hand washing facilities, renovation and construction of classroom blocks with furniture at NUD Primary School, Owode; St. Paul’s Primary School, Orile Imo; Salvation Army School I & II, Agbara; Establishment of a crèche centre at Salvation Army Primary School, Agbara, among others.

Earlier, SUBEB Board Secretary, Mr. Olubori Akinleye, commended Nestlé for its significant contributions to public basic education in Ogun State. He appealed to other corporate organisations to follow such example by supporting government efforts in providing a conducive teaching and learning environment.

In her remarks, Nestlé’s Corporate Affairs Specialist, Miss Louis Nweke, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to school development and the promotion of healthy living among learners. She noted that Ogun State currently has 20 schools under the Nestlé Healthier Kids Programme, the highest in Nigeria.

Nweke added that beyond training exercise that the company engaged in, it had also rewarded outstanding educators, accordingly, she appreciated SUBEB for its cooperation and continuous support.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding teachers in the State.

OGSG GURANTEES SECURITY FOR TEACHERS,WARNS AGAINST SCHOOL              ASSAULTS

The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protect teachers in public primary schools, declaring that it will not tolerate any form of assault or harassment against them.

Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, gave the assurance during the 8th Quadrennial and 16th State Delegates Conference of the Association of Primary School Teachers of Nigeria (APSTON), Ogun State Wing, at the NUT Hall, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Ifede warned that no individual would be allowed to intimidate or attack teachers while carrying out their official duties, stressing that the State would defend its educators against any form of aggression. He called for the restoration of societal respect for teachers, describing them as custodians of knowledge and moral development.

“You cannot come into the school and molest our teachers. Ogun State will not take that. And I want to assure you, if anything of such comes up, don’t hesitate to report immediately. If you cannot reach me directly, reach me through anyone who can,” he stated.

He urged teachers to uphold dignity, professionalism and confidence in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that educators deserved honour and recognition in the communities they serve.

Ifede also commended the cordial relationship among APSTON, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and AOSPHON, saying the synergy had enabled SUBEB to work harmoniously towards improving learning outcomes across the State.

He reiterated the Board’s commitment to strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy, emphasizing that teachers must ensure learners could read, write and communicate effectively.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ogun State Wing, Comrade Sewakanu Noah, congratulated APSTON on its milestone conference and applauded SUBEB’s leadership. He noted that since Evangelist Ifede and other board members assumed office, the Board’s operations have recorded remarkable improvements across various areas.

Delivering his welcome address, APSTON State President, Comrade Idowu Otaiku, highlighted some of the association’s achievements, including maintaining a cordial relationship with the government, securing and equipping an administrative office at the NUT House, actualising the use of typed lesson plans for primary school teachers, reviewing the association’s constitution and providing souvenirs to members.

He appealed to the State Government to address lingering challenges such as the disparity between the grade levels of primary and secondary school teachers, among other issues.