Ogun State Govt to Introduce Reading Period in Primary Schools

The Ogun State Government has announced plans to introduce a dedicated reading period in public primary school timetables while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education across the state.

Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board, Olalekan Ifede, disclosed that the new reading initiative would take effect from the next academic session as part of efforts to improve literacy and strengthen reading culture among pupils.

Ifede made the disclosure during a monitoring exercise at St. Paul’s Nursery and Primary School I.

He explained that pupils would be grouped based on their reading abilities while teachers would provide targeted guidance to help improve their literacy skills.

According to him, the monitoring exercise was aimed at evaluating pupils’ learning outcomes, assessing the school environment and determining the level of compliance by teachers with established teaching guidelines.

“Every school we visited is doing well. However, in terms of learning outcomes, many teachers are not yet at the level we expect. While some are performing excellently well, others are still below average,” Ifede said.

He urged teachers to intensify efforts to ensure that pupils in public primary schools acquire strong reading, writing and communication skills.

Also speaking, the Education Secretary of Yewa South Local Government Education Authority, Rotimi Olaleye, said school managements were working to fully align with the board’s vision of improving pupils’ learning abilities.

Similarly, the Head Teacher of Christ Church Primary School, Foluke Olurin, commended the SUBEB monitoring team and assured that the school would intensify efforts to strengthen pupils’ reading culture.

Meanwhile, the state government has also reiterated its commitment to promoting STEM education to prepare students for emerging global opportunities.

Speaking at a STEM education programme themed “Building a Future-Ready STEM Ecosystem in Nigeria”, the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the state was implementing initiatives such as digital learning and strengthening technical and vocational education to improve learning outcomes.

The event was organised by the Rockcity Centre for Media and Leadership Development.

Salako-Oyedele noted that investment in science and technology education remained central to the government’s development agenda.

She explained that as the population grows, the demand for infrastructure, healthcare and technological solutions would increase, adding that professionals in STEM fields are best equipped to drive innovation and development.

She urged students to embrace STEM education, describing it as the foundation of modern innovation and national development.

Also speaking at the event, the Saka Matemilola encouraged students to take greater interest in science-related disciplines, noting that nearly all modern careers require knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

In a lecture titled “Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Career Pathways in STEM,” Titilola Aderonke emphasised the importance of collaboration among students, educators, government and industry stakeholders in promoting STEM education.

She advised students to embrace innovation, seek mentorship and remain open to opportunities, stressing that creativity and curiosity are key drivers of technological advancement.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rockcity Centre for Media and Leadership Development and Rockcity FM, Niran Malaolu, said the programme was organised to inspire young people to develop interest in STEM disciplines.

He noted that in an increasingly technology-driven world, science, engineering and innovation would play a crucial role in shaping the future.