Senator Salisu Leads Historic Push for Education Reform in Ogun Central Through Traditional Rulers’ Summit
Abeokuta, Ogun State – Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu has spearheaded a groundbreaking initiative for educational transformation in Ogun Central Senatorial District with the successful conclusion of a high-level Capacity Building Workshop and Empowerment Programme for Traditional Rulers.
The event, held in Abeokuta, was organized by Senator Salisu in collaboration with the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) and Ampersand Development Partners, uniting traditional rulers, education experts, security professionals, and development stakeholders in a concerted effort to drive grassroots educational reform.
The summit’s defining moment came with the adoption of a ten-point communiqué aimed at repositioning education in Ogun Central as a catalyst for sustainable development. Key focus areas included curriculum modernization, community participation, school security, and improved funding access.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Saka Adeola Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, who read the communiqué on behalf of the traditional council, declared: “The time has come for our royal fathers to move from ceremonial roles to become active agents of change in the education space.”
Under the resolutions, traditional rulers committed to establishing monitoring teams to oversee educational progress, champion mentorship initiatives, and advocate for vocational training aligned with labor market demands.
Senator Salisu emphasized the critical role of traditional institutions in shaping educational policy, stating: “Our royal fathers are closer to the people than anyone else. Their involvement in education policy, implementation, and oversight will bring about the change we all desire.”
The senator pledged to amplify Ogun State’s education reforms at the national level, highlighting Governor Dapo Abiodun’s achievements in digital education, infrastructure upgrades, and teacher capacity building as models for nationwide adoption. He also promised to facilitate access to federal education loans for underprivileged students.
Distinguished speakers included Professor Olajumoke Familoni, who stressed the need for curriculum reforms emphasizing technical skills, and Professor Bamidele Sogbesan, who advocated for evidence-based policymaking. Former Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu proposed integrating community policing into school safety measures to address youth crimes like drug abuse and cultism.
Key resolutions from the summit include:
* Launching the Ogun Central Educational Summit to diagnose systemic challenges and develop expert-backed solutions
* Urgent government intervention to address youth unemployment as a major barrier to education
* Implementation of teacher incentive programs to improve retention and performance
* Establishment of structured mentorship programs pairing students with accomplished role models
* Ongoing capacity-building initiatives for traditional rulers on education governance and conflict resolution
In his closing remarks, Senator Salisu reaffirmed his commitment to people-centered governance, declaring: “Education is the foundation upon which we can build a more prosperous, peaceful, and productive Ogun Central.”
The landmark summit concluded with a unified call for sustained collaboration across all sectors, establishing a clear action plan for revolutionizing education in Ogun Central Senatorial District under Senator Salisu’s leadership.
