By JOY AKINSANYA

The Ogun State Government has introduced placement examination for pupils who want to gain admission into public junior and senior secondary schools.

The government said the initiative would help cushion the effects of the falling standard of educational in the state.

Mrs Ronke Soyombo, the Special Adviser to Gov. Dapo Abiodun on Primary and Secondary Education, said this on Thursday at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abeokuta on Thursday.

Soyombo said the new initiative was aimed at repositioning public schools for better performance and also to boost the standard of education in the state.

She said that the initiative was part of Gov. Dapo Abiodun led-administration’s efforts toward redeeming the dented image of the state educational sector.

“Our ultimate goal as a government is to restore and uplift the standard in which we are known for as a state; because in the last four years, the results of our external examinations have been nothing to write home about.

“That is why we need to meet all relevant stakeholders to map out plans to help out in achieving these set goals,” she said.

Soyombo also disclosed that the state government was working hard to improve the welfare of both the teaching and non-teaching staffs of the various public schools by approving their promotions.

She added that the present administration had also adopted 28 community schools since its inception.

Mrs Abosede Ogunleye, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, appreciated the Parent/Teacher Association (PTA), Old Students Association and other stakeholders for their passion toward retaining the education standards in the state.

Ogunleye said that the ministry would be available to render necessary assistance when called upon.

Speaking on behalf of the Old Students Association and PTA, Mesrs Babajide Dasaolu and Alao Anifowose respectively, commended the government for prioritising teachers’ welfare and for the renovation going on in about 952 public schools.

They called for more government’s support and interventions in schools, adding that government should introduce the presence of security officers in schools.

They also said that such would help to curb cultism among students and enable them to be focused on their studies. (NAN)

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