Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said Principals as first-line administrators of public secondary schools must be active agents and collaborators of government-set goals.

Governor Abiodun stated this in Abeokuta at the 42nd Annual Congress of the All Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Ogun State Chapter, with the theme: “Sustainable School Development through Information and Communication Technology (ICT): A Pathway to Solving Educational Challenges.

Abiodun said education plays a tremendous role in the economic, social and political life of any nation, hence, the need for a synergy between the government and other relevant stakeholders in the sector.

The Governor, represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu pointed out that as mind builders, they should brace up to confront the devourers of education dividends such as cultism, examination malpractices, violence and sexual harassment, to tackle the gradual erosion of societal values which have consequently bastardised educational system and exposed its effects.

 The State helmsman said, ”the time has come for internal purging, cleansing and self-discipline of all forms of untoward conduct, exploitation under different guises and coloration”.

He revealed that the theme for the congress was appropriate against the background of the need for contemporary and fresh impetus to meet the current demands using ICT, commending ANCOPSS for its continued support towards the tremendous achievements recorded in the State since the inception of his administration.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical and Vocational Education, Prof. Joseph Odemuyiwa gave kudos to Principals for being a partner in progress in the driving force of revitalising the education system, especially on trades and skill subjects.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairmen, State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Femi Majekodunmi who was represented by the Board Secretary, Mr. Olalekan Kuye and Teaching Service Commission, Evang. Joshua Ifede admonished Principals to continue to give their best in the discharge of their duties.

In her welcome address, the ANCOPSS State President, Dr. (Mrs.) Ayodele Womiloju appreciated the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration for the timely, notable and continuous intervention in the education sector, especially in its drive to integrate technology into teaching and learning activities, promising that they would continue to cooperate and align with government goals and visions for the sector.