A 16-year-old final-year student of African Grammar School, Ita Iyalode, Abeokuta, Oluwagbemisoke Alaka, served as the One-Day Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology in Ogun State on Thursday.
Alaka resumed duty at the Ministry within the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, at 9:45 a.m., where she was received by the substantive Commissioner, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, and senior ministry officials.
She earned the role after emerging as the overall winner of an essay competition organised by the Adebiyi Habib Foundation for selected secondary schools in the state.
Before handing over the position, Commissioner Arigbabu said the initiative was designed to promote and reward hard work and excellence among students. “Alaka has done so well for herself and the state, and we are proud of her achievements. We hope other learners will find this occasion motivating enough to pursue excellence in their studies,” he said.
Alaka, amid applause, took over the Commissioner’s seat, signed documents, and toured various departments within the ministry.
During the event, she urged the government to prioritise investment in ICT infrastructure in public schools, noting the shift of national examinations such as JAMB and some WAEC components to computer-based testing. She highlighted that only a limited number of public schools currently have functional CBT centres.
She also appealed for improved teachers’ welfare, stressing that the quality and motivation of teachers determine the success of any education system. While commending recent reforms in Ogun State’s education sector, particularly in infrastructure, she urged further action to enhance learning outcomes.
Alaka described the experience as life-changing, motivating her to continue excelling academically and inspiring other students across the state.
Habib Adebiyi, founder of the Adebiyi Habib Foundation, said Alaka was selected from over 300 participants. He explained that appointing a One-Day Commissioner helps build leadership capacity and prepare students for future roles, noting that the foundation’s programmes have benefited over 50,000 students in the last three years.
The initiative follows similar programmes, such as in Lagos State, where Abdulazeez Abdulrahmon, winner of the 20th Spelling Bee Competition in October 2024, served as One-Day Governor, illustrating the ongoing commitment of Nigerian states to nurturing future leaders.
