‘Catch Them Young’: OYOSUBEB Launches Grassroots Talent Hunt in Public Schools
‘Catch Them Young’: OYOSUBEB Launches Grassroots Talent Hunt in Public Schools
‘Catch Them Young’: OYOSUBEB Launches Grassroots Talent Hunt in Public Schools
The Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), Dr. Nureni Adeniran, has underscored the critical role of teachers and parents in mentoring pupils to discover their talents and grow into future leaders.
Adeniran made this known on Thursday during the launch of the “Catch Them Young” initiative, a grassroots talent identification programme for public schools, at his alma mater, Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Oke-Foko, Ibadan.
The SUBEB chairman, who was joined by 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, arrived at the school shortly before the morning assembly. His presence, alongside other dignitaries, sparked excitement among pupils who warmly welcomed him as a proud alumnus of the school.
Addressing the pupils during the assembly, Adeniran reflected on his formative years at the school, urging them not to allow their background or the type of school they attend to limit their aspirations.
“If some of us passed through this same school and were able to get to where we are today, then you can become even greater than we are,” he said. “The school you attend or where you come from should never determine how far you can go in life.”
He expressed optimism that public primary schools would continue to produce professionals and leaders, including lawyers, doctors, engineers, commissioners, governors and even presidents.
Speaking on reforms and infrastructural improvements under his leadership at OYOSUBEB, Adeniran noted that the condition of public primary schools when he assumed office in 2019 left much to be desired.
“When I came in as SUBEB chairman almost seven years ago, the situation in our public primary schools was not encouraging. But today, if you visit this school, you will see a complete transformation,” he said.
According to him, population growth and increased enrolment, driven largely by the state’s free education policy, necessitated expansion and improved facilities.
“There was no fence before, but we fenced the school, carried out renovations and new constructions. Now the learning environment is more conducive, and the children can learn better,” Adeniran added.
He disclosed that enrolment figures surged following the introduction of free education, as many pupils who had dropped out of school returned to the classrooms.
The SUBEB chairman also called on parents to complement government efforts by taking greater responsibility for the welfare of their children.
“Government is providing free education, but parents must clothe their children, feed them and ensure they have the necessary books,” he said. “This is their future, and the joy of every parent is to see their children succeed in life.”
In their separate remarks, Hon. Fowokanmi and Hon. Adigun commended the “Catch Them Young” initiative, noting that the majority of children are enrolled in public schools, making it imperative to strengthen the education system and nurture talents at the grassroots.
The “Catch Them Young” programme, a brainchild of Brightlens Media Network, is designed to identify, develop and mainstream special talents among pupils in public schools across Oyo State. The initiative also seeks to address declining moral values by instilling discipline and the right mindset in young learners, laying a solid foundation for a brighter future.
