Ekiti SUBEB Rolls Out 20 Vehicles to Bolster Primary School Oversight

The Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has equipped its monitoring and evaluation officers with 20 operational vehicles. These vehicles are designated for personnel across all 16 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) within the state, aiming to significantly enhance primary school oversight and maintain quality standards.

Prof. Femi Akinwumi, the Chairman of Ekiti SUBEB, stated that this initiative represents a crucial investment designed to fortify the monitoring, supervision, and overall quality assurance mechanisms within public primary schools throughout Ekiti State. Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday during the official distribution event, Prof. Akinwumi emphasized, “The vehicles will enhance school supervision, data collection and timely reporting by monitoring and evaluation officers.” He further highlighted that this move underscores Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s dedication to ensuring the necessary logistical support to boost both security and educational services. He elaborated that “The improved mobility will enable monitoring and evaluation officers to reach hard-to-access schools, monitor compliance with established standards and provide timely data for effective policy formulation.” The SUBEB chairman implored the recipients to utilize the vehicles responsibly and ensure proper maintenance, thereby guaranteeing their longevity and optimal performance.

Mr. Michael Omolayo, the Board's Permanent Secretary, characterized the acquisition and deployment of these vehicles as a clear testament to the Oyebanji administration’s and SUBEB management’s dedication to overhauling basic education for enhanced operational efficiency and superior results. Omolayo affirmed, “Effective monitoring and evaluation remain central to quality assurance in the basic education sub-sector.” He pointed out that insufficient logistical support could impede thorough supervision, highlighting that the Board has now equipped its field officers with essential operational instruments to efficiently carry out their duties across all public primary schools in Ekiti State.

Monitoring and evaluation officers are crucial for scrutinizing school operations, verifying adherence to educational benchmarks, collecting vital data, and pinpointing areas that require immediate attention or intervention. Consequently, consistent school visits are indispensable for ensuring that educational policies and programs effectively translate into better teaching and learning environments.

Dr. Olufunke Fajobi, the Commissioner for Human Resources Management, noted that this initiative aligns perfectly with the current administration's human capital development objectives. She praised the SUBEB chairman for his emphasis on staff well-being and operational effectiveness, underscoring that a well-equipped and motivated workforce is fundamental to achieving enhanced learning outcomes. Similarly, Mr. Kayode Adeoye, the Commissioner for Project Management, stated that the new vehicles would enable more effective oversight of SUBEB projects, thereby guaranteeing quality execution, optimal value for investment, and the long-term viability of school interventions.

During her address, Dr. Aisha Garba, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), lauded Ekiti SUBEB for this commendable initiative. She also reiterated UBEC’s unwavering commitment to ongoing collaboration with State Universal Basic Education Boards nationwide. Dr. Garba, represented by the UBEC State Coordinator, Mr. Tokunbo Olajubu, highlighted that Ekiti State has consistently served as an exemplary model in the efficient deployment of UBEC matching grants and the execution of the commission’s various programs. She assured that UBEC would continue to back the state's endeavors to elevate basic education standards.

The event saw the presence of notable dignitaries including SUBEB board member Alhaja Lateefat Arilewola, various directors from the Board, Education Secretaries representing all 16 LGEAs, Headmaster-Generals, and the monitoring and evaluation officers who are the direct beneficiaries.