Balqees Adeniji
A Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District in Ogun State, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu has launched a sweeping grassroots initiative to reform the education sector in Ogun Central, enlisting traditional rulers as key stakeholders in the fight against the rising number of out-of-school children.
Speaking at a capacity-building workshop and empowerment programme for monarchs held at Ake Palace, Abeokuta, Salisu described education as the “most sustainable form of empowerment,” warning that the region faces a serious future threat if current trends are not reversed.
“Our royal fathers are closer to the people than any institution of government,” he said. “Their influence, if properly harnessed, can drive the change we urgently need.”
The workshop, themed “Improving Secondary School Enrollment through Community Engagement,” was organised in collaboration with the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) and Ampersand Development Partners.
It brought together royal fathers, educationists, security experts, and development stakeholders in a bid to retool monarchs with the knowledge and skills to champion educational reforms in their communities.
A major outcome of the event was the adoption of a ten-point communiqué read by the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Saka Matemilola, on behalf of the traditional council.
The communiqué called for the creation of community-based school monitoring teams, mentorship programmes, and the introduction of skill-based curricula tailored to current labour market needs.
“The time has come for our royal fathers to move beyond ceremonial functions and become active agents of change in the education space,” Oba Matemilola declared.
The communiqué also recommended incentives for teachers, youth unemployment interventions, improved access to educational funding, and stronger ties with Egba indigenes in the diaspora to bridge infrastructural gaps.
Senator Salisu reaffirmed his commitment to extending the gains of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s educational reforms to the national stage.
He cited successes in digital learning, infrastructure upgrades, and teacher development in Ogun State as models worthy of replication.
“We will continue to work with federal agencies to access funds like the National Education Loan Scheme to support indigent students,” he said.
The summit received high praise from the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, who lauded Senator Salisu’s consistent support for community development.
“Before his election, he was already supporting our office. He listens to our needs and takes action,” Oba Gbadebo said.
“Any Oba who fails to be a role model is not fit to be one. People must be able to look up to us for guidance and leadership.”
The event also featured expert presentations. Professor Olajumoke Familoni called for a national curriculum overhaul to emphasise vocational and technical education, while Professor Bamidele Sogbesan urged more research-driven policies.
Former Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, advocated for integrating community policing into school safety frameworks to curb youth crime and drug abuse.
Key resolutions from the summit include the establishment of an Ogun Central Educational Summit, creation of Education Vanguards for school monitoring, and ongoing capacity-building programmes for monarchs in governance and conflict resolution.
“Education is the foundation upon which we can build a more prosperous, peaceful, and productive Ogun Central,” Senator Salisu said as the summit concluded with a unified call for collaboration and sustained action.
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