The Ekiti State government has sanctioned the promotion and career advancement of university graduate teachers within the State Universal Basic Education Board.
This landmark decision was revealed by the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, following a State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Olatunbosun emphasized the strategic aim behind this initiative, highlighting its role in attracting university graduates to the primary education sector.
“The 314 primary school teachers will have the opportunity to be promoted to Grade Level 16. This approval is intended to serve as a motivating factor for university graduate teachers in primary schools under the State Universal Basic Education Board, promoting effective performance in their duties,” he stated.
The commissioner underscored the administration’s commitment to basic education, noting, “Governor Oyebanji’s administration places a high priority on basic education and will deploy every available resource to ensure the sector’s development for the socio-economic growth of the state.”
This promotion is part of a broader set of educational policies aimed at elevating teaching standards through a qualified and motivated workforce.
“The approval is part of the current administration’s educational policies and programs aimed at fostering high standards of teaching and learning driven by a qualified and motivated workforce. It also acknowledges the critical role of basic education in the state’s growth and progress and highlights the priority given to quality basic education to support sustainable economic development,” Olatunbosun elaborated.
Recognising the pivotal role of motivated teachers, Olatunbosun remarked, “The State Government recognizes the need for highly motivated teachers at all educational levels. The significant role played by this category of teachers in students’ development and the resulting outcomes, which help them achieve their life goals, cannot be underestimated.”
The initiative builds on a 2017 decision to establish the Graduate Teacher Cadre, bridging the career progression gap between graduate teachers in secondary and primary schools.
“This approval recognizes relevant university degrees as teaching qualifications for primary schools and removes the career progression gap between graduate teachers in secondary and primary schools,” Olatunbosun noted.
The new structure aims to foster professional recognition and commitment within the education sector, aligning with the state’s Human Capital Development agenda.
“This new structure is expected to foster professional recognition within the education sector and promote long-term commitment, professional development, and quality education. It will standardize the state’s education sector, aligning it with the current administration’s Human Capital Development agenda for effective service delivery,” he concluded.
