Ogun Private School Owners Worry Over Inadequate Qualified Teachers, Seek Govt's Support

Owners of private schools operating in Ogun State under the aegies of Grand Union of Private Schools Association (GUPSA), have expressed concern over inadequate qualified teachers, stressing the need for government to formulate policies with the aim of bridging the gap between public and private sectors and ensure a level playing field for all schools in the state in the area of qualified personnel 

President General of GUPSA, Ustaadh Abdulazeez Ajibola who made the call during a recent media parley and meeting among stakeholders in the education sector organized by the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, says private schools have been battling with a major challenge of attracting and retaining qualified personnel due to what the association described as systemic limitations 

"Furthermore, manpower challenges remain a concern for private schools. While the public sector has seen significant improvements in this regard, private institutions often struggle with attracting and retaining qualified personnel due to systemic limitations. We urge the Ministry to consider policies that bridge this gap and ensure a level playing field for all schools in the state"

Ajibola who was represented by the association's Media Director , Hon. Ademuyiwa Olufemi, advocated for more inclusive approach by government in formulation of its policies and programmes , saying private schools are playing a crucial role in complimenting public education 

GUPSA emphasized the need for an improved framework for monitoring and evaluation of private schools by the ministry, so as to ensure even development between public and private schools in the state 

"We believe that they should be more deliberately captured in the strategic plans of the government. An improved framework for monitoring and evaluation of private schools by the Ministry of Education will ensure that the commendable standards being set across the state are evenly spread, leaving no institution behind"

The private school owners however commended the State Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu for various achievements recorded in the education sector under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun in the past five years, particularly in areas of improved welfare of teachers, infrastructural development in public schools, curriculum enhancement and the transformation of education through technology

GUPSA who pledged more support for government, urged the current administration to intensify the use of its digital platform under Ogun State Education Revitalization 

Agenda (OG-SERA) to capture more private schools particularly the new ones under its data base 

"These advancements have not only revitalized the learning environment but have also positively impacted the overall quality of education, positioning Ogun State as a reference point in educational excellence", the association stated 

Additionally, while OG-SERA has revolutionized data management in education, we recognize that there is still a significant journey ahead. The data capturing process, particularly for developing schools, needs to be intensified so that every institution—regardless of size or status—is adequately represented in the broader vision for educational advancement in Ogun State.  

Once again, we appreciate the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to educational excellence, and we look forward to stronger collaborations that will further elevate Ogun State’s education sector as a model for the nation.