The Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Nureni Adeniran, has stressed the key role teachers and parents play in shaping the future of pupils, as he launched a grassroots talent development initiative in public primary schools across Oyo State.
Adeniran made this known on Thursday at his alma mater, Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Oke-Foko, Ibadan, during the unveiling of the Catch Them Young project, which is aimed at identifying and nurturing talents among pupils in public schools.
The programme, supported by Brightlens Media Network, is designed to discover, mentor and mainstream exceptional abilities among young learners, while also promoting sound moral values and positive character development.
The SUBEB chairman arrived at the school with the member representing Ibadan South West II in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Oluwafemi Fowokanmi, and the political head of Ibadan West Local Government Development Area, Hon. Tajudeen Adigun.
Their presence at the morning assembly, where they appeared in school uniforms, created excitement among pupils, who welcomed Adeniran as a proud alumnus of the school.
Addressing the pupils, Adeniran recalled his early years at the school and urged them not to allow their background, family situation or environment to limit their dreams.
“If some of us passed through this same school and made it to where we are today, then you can become even greater,” he said.
He expressed confidence that future lawyers, doctors, engineers, governors and presidents would emerge from public primary schools if pupils remained focused on their education.
Reflecting on his stewardship since 2019, Adeniran said public primary schools across the state had recorded improvements in infrastructure and learning conditions.
“When I assumed office, many schools lacked basic facilities. Today, we have renovated classrooms, erected fences and improved learning environments,” he said.
He added that the introduction of the state’s free education programme had increased enrolment, with many out-of-school children returning to classrooms across the state.
The SUBEB chairman urged parents to support government efforts by providing basic learning materials and proper care for their children at home.
“Education is free, but parents must ensure that their children are clothed, fed and equipped with books. This is their future,” he stressed.
Adeniran also shared how guidance from his parents and teachers helped shape his life, urging families to take responsibility for their children’s moral and academic growth.
In their separate remarks, Hon. Fowokanmi and Hon. Adigun praised the initiative, noting that most school-age children attend public schools, making grassroots interventions important.
They pledged continued support for policies and programmes that strengthen basic education in Oyo State.
The Catch Them Young project, initiated by Brightlens Media Network, is expected to address declining moral standards while encouraging creativity, leadership and innovation among young learners across Oyo State schools statewide.
Read also: Heifer Nigeria launches 2026 AYuTe Challenge with $40,000 for Agritech Innovations
