The Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has inducted 104 newly appointed headteachers to fill leadership vacancies in public primary schools across the 20 local government areas of Ogun State.

The induction and capacity-building programme was held at the Nigeria Union of Teachers Hall in Kuto, Abeokuta, where education officials encouraged the new headteachers to remain committed to improving learning outcomes at the grassroots level.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Ogun SUBEB, Olalekan Ifede, described the appointments as a reflection of the confidence the state government and the board have in the professional competence and leadership abilities of the newly selected school administrators.

He emphasised that the effectiveness of school leadership plays a critical role in shaping the quality of teaching and learning within the basic education system.

According to him, the success of any school is often reflected in the performance and development of its pupils, making the role of a headteacher essential in building strong academic foundations.

Ifede urged the inductees to approach their responsibilities with dedication, noting that their leadership would directly influence the future of young learners.

He also reassured them that the board remains committed to supporting teachers and school administrators in delivering quality basic education across the state, but stressed that such support must be matched with accountability, professionalism, and measurable results.

In his goodwill message, Permanent Member IV of the board, Akeem Balogun, encouraged the new headteachers to introduce innovative approaches to school administration. He added that recent improvements in teachers’ welfare — including opportunities for advancement to Grade Level 17 — should translate into improved performance in public schools.

Earlier, the Director of Administration and Supplies at SUBEB, Femi Fatade, explained that the position of headteacher represents not only recognition for years of service but also a greater responsibility to guide teachers, mentor pupils, and strengthen the foundation of basic education.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Headteachers-General, Folake Onabajo urged the newly inducted officers to see their positions as opportunities for service. She noted that headteachers must act not only as administrators but also as leaders, mentors, and role models for both staff and pupils.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria in the state, Tajudeen Adeosun, described the induction programme as evidence of the board’s commitment to professional development and leadership strengthening within the primary education sector.

During a lecture titled “Effective School Management,” guest speaker and former SUBEB Secretary, Olubori Akinleye, encouraged the inductees to prioritise teamwork and maintain strong relationships with teachers and pupils in order to promote academic excellence.

He also advised the new school leaders to develop basic computer skills to improve data management and administrative efficiency while maintaining discipline, accountability, and a safe learning environment in their schools.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government recently deployed 448 OgunTeach interns to public primary schools in rural communities as part of ongoing efforts to address teacher shortages and strengthen classroom instruction across the state.