Oyo State Partners with Think Equal to Enhance Foundational Education

The Oyo State Government is set to collaborate with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Think Equal Organisation from the United States to launch a groundbreaking Social and Emotional Learning initiative aimed at bolstering foundational education across the state.

Nureni Adeniran, Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), announced the partnership during a recent meeting with representatives from Think Equal and UBEC at the board's headquarters in Ibadan. 

The initiative, dubbed the “Think Equal Pre-Primary and Primary Literacy Programme,” is designed to enrich traditional literacy education with essential skills such as empathy, emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and positive social interactions among children.

Adeniran highlighted several ongoing interventions in pre-primary education, such as training 320 Early Childhood Care, Development, and Education teachers across all 33 Local Government Universal Basic Education Authorities in the state.

He credited the progress in Oyo's education sector to the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, noting significant investments in school infrastructure, teacher welfare, and the prudent use of UBEC/SUBEB intervention funds.

The chairman assured the visiting officials that Oyo SUBEB would thoroughly assess the implementation strategies for the initiative, focusing on teacher professional development, classroom resources, and effective monitoring frameworks.

“This partnership is a recognition of our leadership in education,” Adeniran said, expressing optimism that the initiative would yield productive outcomes for the state's educational landscape.

Beatrice Okei, Zonal Director of UBEC, remarked that the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to create a conducive environment for education through investments in basic education, teacher training, and infrastructure.

Mr. Anas Tahhan, Senior Manager for Think Equal in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, explained that the training will focus on the revised Learning Through Play pedagogy, promoting holistic development for pre-primary students.

He expressed confidence that the values promoted by Think Equal would enhance existing educational processes, helping to cultivate resilient, well-rounded future leaders.

The event was attended by key education officials, including Dr. Kemi Adeosun, Executive Secretary of OYOSUBEB, and various directors from the board, marking a significant step towards improving foundational education in Oyo State.