Adeniran made the call on Thursday at his alma mater, Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Oke-Foko, Ibadan, during the unveiling of the “Catch Them Young” project, 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.
The SUBEB chairman arrived at the school alongside 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, dressed in school uniforms, generated excitement among pupils, who welcomed Adeniran as a proud alumnus.
Addressing the pupils, Adeniran recalled his early years at the school and urged them not to allow their background or environment to limit their aspirations.
“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 professionals and leaders, including lawyers, doctors, engineers, governors and presidents, would emerge from public primary schools.
Reflecting on his stewardship since 2019, Adeniran noted that public schools in the state had witnessed significant transformation 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 led to a surge in enrolment, with many out-of-school children returning to classrooms.
The SUBEB chairman urged parents to complement government efforts by providing essential learning materials and proper care for their children.
“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 a personal story of how parental guidance and teacher support shaped his life, urging families to take responsibility for their wards’ moral and academic development.
In their separate remarks, Hon. Fowokanmi and Hon. Adigun commended the initiative, noting that most school-age children were in public schools, making grassroots intervention crucial to educational development.
They pledged continued support for policies and programmes that strengthen basic education in the state.
The “Catch Them Young” project, initiated by Brightlens Media Network, seeks to curb declining moral standards while fostering creativity, leadership and innovation among young learners, laying a foundation for sustainable human capital development in Oyo State.
