Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the state’s Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, provided this assurance while overseeing school resumption monitoring on Monday, accompanied by ministry officials.
He emphasized that the creation of more technical colleges, along with the provision of necessary equipment and facilities in accessible locations, would motivate more young people to engage in technical and vocational education.
Mr. Alli-Balogun highlighted the importance of technical skills and competencies in today’s global economic landscape, noting that his vision for an effective technical college includes not only training students but also developing workshops that can generate income.
Among the schools visited were Government Technical College, Agidingbi; Agidingbi Junior and Senior Grammar School; and Agidingbi Primary School in Ikeja.
In his address to the teachers, the commissioner encouraged them to utilize their professional skills, emphasizing the importance of punctuality, commitment, and accountability in their roles.
He expressed the state government's desire for teachers to enhance their service delivery and to pursue skill development by embracing new knowledge, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and coding.
Additionally, he urged educators to take extracurricular activities, including essay and debate competitions and sports events, more seriously, as these are vital for cultivating well-rounded and globally competitive learners.
The commissioner reiterated the importance of the state government establishing additional technical colleges to enhance access to technical and vocational education. He encouraged the management of these colleges to upgrade their workshops to a level where they can generate revenue independently.
He said:”It is not enough to expose your students to technical skills only such repairing vehicles when you have standard workshops without utilising them to generate some income for the school.”
Additionally, the commissioner advised teachers to adopt a healthy lifestyle and register with the State Health Management Scheme to facilitate access to quality healthcare services.
Alli-Balogun stressed the state government's dedication to addressing the concerns of educators and ensuring a supportive environment for their work.
To the students, the commissioner urged them to take their academic pursuits and other lawful activities seriously, emphasizing the importance of giving their best efforts in their studies.
He assured them that the state government would continue to provide the necessary resources to support their educational goals.