By Ebuanekpe Joy
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Ebanehita Sonia Omonzane, has convened a meeting with all Acting Education Secretaries (AESs) from the eighteen Local Government Areas for a comprehensive review of staff conduct, regulatory compliance and service delivery in the Basic Education Sector, as part of the Board’s commitment to enhancing quality education standards in the State.
In an opening address, Hon. Omonzane underscored the critical roles of discipline, transparency and professionalism in the development of learners and the corresponding impact on the reputation of the Edo State’s education system.
“We must lead by example. The conduct of school personnel directly impacts teaching quality and community trust”. She said.
On her part, The Director of Shared Services, Mrs. Blessing Amadasun, presented data on recurring infractions ranging from unauthorized absences and habitual lateness to abscondment and unapproved leave, with a reminder that such breaches of the Public Service Rules carry serious consequences.
Meanwhile, The Director of Legal Services, Mrs. Justina Odubel, cautioned against illegal fee collections in schools and addressed recent reports of Gender‑Based Violence, reiterating SUBEB’s stance of zero‑tolerance for any form of human rights violation.
The Board Secretary, Mrs. Beatrice Ada Oluku called for rigorous record‑keeping and adherence to established procedures, stating that accurate documentation and accountability are non‑negotiable. She highlighted how transparent processes foster fairness and curb malpractices.
The Director of Quality Assurance, Mr. Goodluck Edowandangbon, outlined the duties of Quality Assurance Officers, urging school heads to maintain up‑to‑date logs on attendance, student performance and infrastructure. While the Director of Special Programmes, Mrs. Eunice Onuabhagbe, appealed for intensified community outreach to boost enrollment of children with special needs and announced that Edo State currently operates twelve dedicated special schools.
Other Departmental Heads including Planning, Research and Statistics, Procurement, Social Mobilization and Physical Project Planning each took turns to explain their functions and how collaboration with AESs can drive SUBEB’s mandate forward.
During an interactive session, the Representative of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) clarified that the Union’s official meetings hold four times annually and not during instructional hours, dispelling misconceptions about unauthorized teacher absences.
Highpoint of the engagement was the Board Chairman’s directives which included the submission of a weekly visitation plan covering at least ten schools, during holidays by the AES, adding that, two teachers must remain on duty daily at every school.
She further stated that, secretaries must partner with community leaders to safeguard school property, while cautioning that AESs should only recommend candidates for the position of a Head‑Teacher, as the final appointments rest solely with the appropriate authorities.
The meeting was attended by Board members including Pastor (Mrs.) Angela Okpamen (Edo South), Chief Christopher Abuya (Edo Central), Chief Idris Aminu (Edo North), and Directors of the Board’s Departments. The engagement reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to promoting discipline, compliance and quality assurance in the Basic Education Sector of the State.
