Students in Ogun State returned to classrooms this week to meet a fresh wave of changes, as the state government officially rolled out the new Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum recently approved by the federal government.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), led by Executive Secretary Professor Salisu Shehu, explained that the reforms are intended to address curriculum overload and improve overall learning outcomes for students. The revised framework places emphasis on relevance, adaptability, and the acquisition of practical skills from the earliest years of education, a move many believe signals a fresh beginning for Nigeria’s education system.
During a monitoring exercise on Tuesday in Remo, Ijebu, and Egba, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, confirmed that the state had already put several measures in place to support the reforms. According to him, the government has distributed new furniture to model schools, rehabilitated and built classrooms and laboratories, and improved staff offices and toilet facilities to create a more conducive teaching and learning environment. He stressed that these investments are part of the state’s commitment to its Education Revitalisation Agenda and promised that the government would continue to deliver on its plans to uplift the education sector.
Prof. Arigbabu also took the opportunity to commend Jesulayomi Ògúndìjo, a Senior Secondary 3 student of Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, who has represented the state impressively by winning medals in both national and international school sports events. He encouraged other learners to follow his example by applying equal dedication not only to their studies but also to extracurricular activities that help build discipline and resilience.
School administrators shared similar optimism as the term kicked off. Mr. Alaba Olúgbewésà, principal of Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, and Mrs. Adebisi Ògúnsóbò, principal of Ifesowapo Comprehensive High School, Imodi-Mosan, Odogbolu, both reported an impressive turnout of students. They added that classes and activities were already in full swing, with welcome tests and environmental cleaning carried out on the first day.
The commissioner’s monitoring tour included visits to several institutions such as Ifesowapo High School, Imodi-Mosan, Odogbolu; Local Government Nursery and Primary School, Obalende, Ijebu-Ode; Ijebu-Ode Grammar School; Moslem Comprehensive High School, Ijebu-Ode; Moslem Primary School, Ososa; St. James Anglican Primary School, Iperu Remo; Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu; Orile Igonre Grammar School, Ajura; and Abeokuta Grammar School.
With the new curriculum now in effect and the state government reinforcing facilities across schools, Ogun appears ready to set the pace in aligning with Nigeria’s broader vision of building a more relevant, skill-oriented, and effective education system.