SUBEB Warns Schools Against Excluding Pupils Over Unpaid Contributions

The Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has directed public schools and Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) to improve the accuracy and coordination of education data, complete phonics training across schools and strengthen efforts to enrol more children.

The directives were issued at the Board’s statutory monthly meeting with Education Secretaries from the state’s 20 LGEAs and Headteachers-General representing its four divisions. The meeting took place at the SUBEB Conference Room in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Board said intervention projects covering 2022 to 2026 had been completed and submitted to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for final approval. It said the projects were designed to address critical infrastructure needs in schools. Statewide monitoring of schools is also scheduled to begin immediately after the mid-term break.

On School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), SUBEB instructed schools to carry out only approved projects, keep their committees active and meet the requirements of the SBMC School Improvement Programme. LGEA technical officers must be involved from the start of each project, the Board said, adding that individuals and organisations must obtain its approval before undertaking infrastructure work in schools.

The Board also warned teachers and headteachers not to participate in the financial activities of Parents’ Clubs. It stressed that learners must not be sent home or excluded from school because their families have not paid contributions.

In a move to strengthen professional standards, SUBEB directed teachers to obtain certification or registration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) before the 2027 deadline.

The meeting placed particular emphasis on literacy development. The Board said phonics cascading must be completed in every public school and that all teachers should demonstrate adequate mastery of the approach. Schools were also encouraged to use assemblies for debates, quizzes, talk shows and other educational activities to help learners build confidence and communication skills.

SUBEB urged education stakeholders to intensify enrolment campaigns and work together to reduce the number of out-of-school children across the state.

During the meeting, Education Secretaries and Headteachers-General presented updates from their respective zones. Their reports covered learners’ literacy levels, ongoing projects, SBMC activities and progress in implementing phonics instruction.

The Board said accurate data, effective project oversight, stronger classroom literacy and increased enrolment are essential to improve planning, learning outcomes and the delivery of basic education throughout Ogun State.