Kwara State, in its pursuit of educational excellence, recently concluded a comprehensive training program for 384 School Support Officers (SSOs). These officers, operating under the State Universal Basic Education Board, serve as crucial field agents, providing essential support to school administrators and teachers. Their role extends to enhancing school governance, elevating the quality of teaching and learning, and supervising head teachers across all 16 local government areas of the state. This training initiative underscores the state’s commitment to bolstering its educational infrastructure and empowering its educators.
The week-long intensive training, held from May 19th to 26th, 2025, equipped the SSOs with the necessary skills to leverage modern technology for effective supervision of teachers. This focus on technology integration reflects Kwara State’s forward-thinking approach to educational reform, recognizing the transformative potential of digital tools in enhancing educational practices and outcomes. By empowering SSOs with technological proficiency, the state aims to create a more robust and responsive educational system.
The graduation ceremony, held in Ilorin, celebrated the dedication and commitment of the participating SSOs. Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, commended the officers for their willingness to contribute to the transformation of the state’s education sector. He emphasized their crucial role in supporting the government’s efforts to improve learning outcomes across all schools, highlighting the significant investment the state has made in advancing education. The Commissioner expressed confidence in the SSOs’ ability to implement their newly acquired knowledge and skills, effectively contributing to the ongoing progress of the education sector.
Mrs. Laide Abel, Managing Director of KwaraLEARN, an educational reform program, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the alignment of the training with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s vision for educational transformation. She underscored the pivotal role of the SSOs in ensuring the sustainability of the KwaraLEARN program, describing them as the key to its continued success. Mrs. Abel emphasized the historical significance of their role and implored them to uphold the program’s integrity, recognizing their direct impact on its future.
The KwaraLEARN program, central to the state’s education reform agenda, focuses on leveraging technology to enhance the learning experience for students. The training provided to the SSOs directly supports this initiative by equipping them with the skills to effectively implement and monitor the program’s impact in schools. This integrated approach signifies the state’s commitment to a holistic transformation of its education system, ensuring that all stakeholders are equipped to contribute to its success.
The positive feedback from participating SSOs further validates the effectiveness of the training program. Mr. Musa Saidu from Kaiama local government and Mrs. Adeleye Omolara from Ilorin South expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to enhance their skills and contribute to the digitalization of the education sector. They acknowledged the governor’s vision in introducing the KwaraLEARN program and expressed confidence in their ability to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Their testimonials underscore the tangible impact of the training and its potential to drive positive change within the state’s educational landscape. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to continuous professional development within the education sector, ensuring that educators are equipped with the latest tools and strategies to effectively support student learning and contribute to the overall advancement of education in Kwara State.
