Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to implementing education policies tailored to address societal needs and equip students with practical skills for real-world challenges.
The Governor made this known at the weekend while receiving a delegation from South Korea, led by the Deputy Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Mr Baik Ki-Hyyn, who was in the state to conduct an in-depth survey of the Smart School Project.
According to a statement released in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji highlighted his administration’s strategic investment in smart technology to enhance students’ critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. He emphasised that these initiatives would ensure that graduates from Ekiti State are well-prepared to tackle contemporary challenges and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Governor expressed appreciation to the South Korean Government for its partnership, noting that his administration’s investment in education extends beyond literacy and numeracy to comprehensive human capital development, making Ekiti’s workforce globally competitive.
He further assured that the government remains committed to positioning Ekiti State as a leader in smart technology-driven education at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
“We appreciate KOICA for the partnership with UBEC that led to the establishment of smart schools in Ekiti State. Education is our main industry, and as one of the most educated states in the country, we have a duty to maintain that status.
“If you examine the six pillars of our administration, human capital development is the third. Since assuming office, we have been intentional about our interventions in the education sector because we believe that education holds the key to development and growth. There is no alternative to knowledge.
“Our education strategy and policies must not only address literacy and numeracy but also respond to the needs of society,” the Governor stated.
In his remarks, Mr Baik Ki-Hyyn commended the Governor for his unwavering commitment to advancing education through innovative policies. He described Ekiti State as exceptional among the six states chosen for the Smart School Project, which was launched in 2021.
The KOICA Deputy Country Director further praised the state government’s strides in education and assured that the South Korean Government is willing to embark on the second phase of the intervention under the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC). This phase aims to strengthen existing schools and expand access to underserved and rural areas.
Top government officials at the meeting included the Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Education, Dr (Mrs) Olabimpe Aderiye; Chairman, SUBEB, Prof Femi Akiwunmi; SUBEB Commissioner for Human Resources Management, Dr (Mrs) Olufunke Fajobi; and SUBEB Commissioner for Project Management, Dr Kayode Adeoye, among others.
