In a decisive move to combat the critical shortage of educators in its public primary schools, the Ogun State Government has officially onboarded and deployed 448 new teaching interns. The recruitment, executed under the state's OgunTeach programme, is specifically aimed at bolstering teaching staff in underserved rural communities across the state.
Formal Presentation and Stern Warning
The newly recruited interns received their official engagement and posting letters during a ceremony held at the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Secretariat in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on 7 January 2026. Presiding over the event, the SUBEB Chairman, Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, delivered a clear and firm message to the beneficiaries.
He emphasized that the postings were deliberately assigned to address manpower gaps in rural schools and warned the interns against seeking redeployment. "The moment anyone calls me to seek a change of posting, we will remove the person’s name immediately," Ifede stated. He reminded them that many qualified individuals were eager for the opportunity and credited Governor Dapo Abiodun for making the initiative possible.
Immediate Resumption and Path to Permanency
The SUBEB Chairman directed all 448 interns to report to their assigned schools without delay, noting that failure to resume would lead to automatic replacement. He also stressed the importance of administrative diligence for timely salary payments.
"We do not want your payment to be delayed. Salary processing will only commence for those who submit their assumption-of-duty documents early," he advised. Ifede framed the engagement as a call to service, not an entitlement, and urged the new teachers to cooperate with headteachers and colleagues.
He outlined that their prospects for securing a permanent appointment would hinge directly on their dedication, discipline, and performance in the classroom. "Basic education is the foundation of our system. We need teachers who are determined and committed to ensuring that pupils can read, write and communicate effectively," he added.
Merit-Based Selection and Gratitude from Beneficiaries
Earlier at the event, the SUBEB Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr. Femi Fatade, clarified that the selection process was strictly based on merit. He explained that the posting decisions were made according to the specific staffing needs identified in rural schools statewide.
Responding on behalf of the 448 successful interns, Mr. Adedayo Taiwo expressed profound gratitude to the Ogun State Government led by Governor Abiodun. He gave assurances that all beneficiaries would approach their new roles with the highest level of diligence and commitment to shaping young minds in the state's rural communities.
