The Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Education, Mr Steve Awosika has disclosed that Ondo State Students performed excellently in the last West African Examination Council (WAEC) Examination with the state scoring 80.8 percent in English language and 74 percent in Mathematics.
In an interview with The Hope, the Permsec said that the development shows that 80 percent of the students who wrote the WAEC examination could be admitted without stress in the university this year.
Awosika, while commending the State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko who he described as education loving governor, thanked him for releasing fund for the training of the teachers in the two subjects (Mathematics and English).
He stated that the ministry has organized series of workshop for the teachers teaching both subjects.
"We have never rested. It has been workshops upon workshops, trainings upon trainings", he said.
Awosika said the efforts paid off in this years WAEC result, expressing the hope that it will be better next year.
He added that the state government will continue to do all it can to ensure that students in the state compete favourably with their counterparts nationally and internationally.
Awosika also assured that teachers will continue to be trained, so as to achieve better results.
Meanwhile, towards improving the quality of teaching and learning of science education in Ondo State, the state government has officially commissioned and distributed science equipment (Phase II) produced by the State Science Equipment Centre (OSSECA) to 20 selected public secondary schools in the state.
The event which was held yesterday at the Community Education Resource Centre has students from 20 schools from the 18 local government areas of the state in attendance .
The State Commissioner for Education, Arc. Jide Adejuyigbe in his address said the state government has embarked on the project to encourage effective teaching of science practical, technology and Mathematics education in the state.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Perm-sec in the ministry, Mr Steve Awosika posited that the importance of science and technology cannot be over-emphasized as it underscores the tireless efforts of the present administration in paying much attention to science, technology and Mathematics education at all levels of education in the state.
According to him "The Dr Olusegun Mimiko led administration since inception has spared no resources and efforts in re-positioning the education sector to enable it meet the millennium challenges in a world driven by Science and Technology. The state government identifies with progressive initiatives like the one for which we are all gathered here today," he said.
Adejuyigbe stated that the distribution of Science Technology and Mathematics equipment to public secondary schools in the state will further advance effective teaching of the subjects in public schools in the state.
"This will also enhance our students performance in Mathematics and Science subjects in external examinations and competitions.
While enumerating some of the achievements of students in the state in external and internal and competitions, Adejuyigbe thanked the state government for its support and for releasing the needed funds towards ensuring the success of the project.
Earlier, in his opening address, the Director for Science and Technology, Dr Abiye Abilogun stated that the centre is now performing the function it was made for which is to fabricate, and produce simple science equipment for schools in the state.
He commended the Commissioner for helping in facilitating the fund needed, saying "he knows the importance of practicals that science practical carries high marks."
"Funds was approved last year and science equipment was produced and distributed to 20 public schools and this year too, 20 schools have benefited," he stated.
He therefore encouraged the schools to continue to make judicious use of the equipment.
Some of the schools that benefited from the phase II are Laragunsin Grammar School, Ode-Aye, Iyansan Community Schools, Oloruntedo, LS Academy, Ugbonla, Ilemobola Girls High School, Idanre, Imoru Community Grammar School, Imoru, Oladapo High School, Oladapo, C.A.C. Community Grammar School, Ondo, Moribudo College, Ilutitu, Estate High School, Shagari, Village, Akure among others.
