By Our Correspondence, 9th October, 2025
The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Ondo State Chapter has called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to bring all the people behind the missing Vice Principal of Ipele Community High School to justice saying government should prioritize the security of life and property of teachers in the state.
The State Chairman of ASUSS, Comrade Balogun Tajudeen Olatunji made the call at the 2025 World Teachers Day held at the Aquinas College Hall in Akure to celebrate teachers under the inspiring theme: “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession”.
The event, graced by educators, union leaders, students, parents, and key stakeholders in the education sector, served as a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who shape the minds and future of the nation.
While calling for thorough investigation into the mysterious disappearance of the Vice Principal who happened to be his VP, urged Ondo State government to formulate policies that will regulate NGO activities in schools for safety and accountability.
His words: ” We strongly appeal to Mr Governor to deploy the full weight of the law in ensuring that all those involved in the mysterious disappearance of a Vice Principal (Ipele Community High School) at Sunview Hotel, Alagbaka Akure are brought to Justice”.
” This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for the state government to formulate a regulatory policy to guide and monitor the activities of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating with our schools. Such regulation is crucial to safeguarding our students and staff and ensuring that external interventions align with educational standards and ethical practices”.
Balogun further stated that his leadership remains committed to advancing the teaching profession in line with 2025 theme of World Teachers Day celebration, saying the welfare of teachers remain non-negotiable”.
“. Fair remuneration, timely promotion, retirement benefits and job security are essential to maintaining morale and attracting bright minds into the profession. It is only when teachers are respected and supported that they can fully embrace collaboration and innovation”.
“Teaching is no longer about the teacher as the sole source of knowledge, but about facilitating learning, nurturing creativity, and working with others to achieve shared goals,” he said.
Comrade Balogun called for stronger professional learning communities within schools and closer partnerships with parents, industries, and government. He urged policymakers to include teachers as co-creators of educational policies, not mere implementers.
He also issued a passionate appeal for improved working conditions, fair remuneration, adequate infrastructure, and sustained professional development.
He commended the Governor for employing 1,100 new secondary school teachers and for constituting a new Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) Board, with ASUSS as a member.
Meanwhile, in his Goodwill message, Representing the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Pastor Adunbi, on behalf of Chairman Alhaji Abimbola Omoloja, expressed gratitude to teachers for their unwavering commitment while charging the new Commissioner of Education, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun to replicate his outstanding achievements at the state Polytechnic and University in the education sector.
The Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Clement Fatuase on his part called for special salary scale for teachers in the state saying teachers deserve better like their counterpart in other professions.
Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) congratulated teachers in the state while calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take a critical look at the demands of teachers, noting that teachers must be valued and respected like others.
Representing the Governor of Ondo State Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Hon. Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, said each year, World Teachers’ Day provides us a moment to pause and reflect on the priceless contributions of teachers to society,” Mr. Akinduro said. “This year’s theme reminds us that education thrives when we work together — teachers with teachers, schools with communities, and educators with government.”
He highlighted several key achievements and ongoing interventions by the Ondo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Ayiedatiwa, aimed at supporting the teaching workforce. These include: Prompt payment of salaries and recruitment of teachers timely promotions and continuous career development, Training in digital literacy and innovative teaching methods. Enhanced welfare through health insurance and housing, renovation of schools and expanded digital platforms and recognition programmes celebrating outstanding educators
