Oluwagbemisoke Alaka, a 16-year-old final-year student at African Grammar School, Ita Iyalode, Abeokuta, took on the role of One-Day Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Ogun State on Thursday.
A one-day commissioner experience
Alaka resumed duty at the Ministry in Oke-Mosan around 9:45 a.m., where she was welcomed by the substantive Commissioner, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, and senior ministry officials.
She toured various departments, signed official documents, and participated in routine administrative activities, experiencing firsthand the responsibilities of overseeing the state’s education sector.
The opportunity came after Alaka emerged as the overall winner in an essay competition organised by the Adebiyi Habib Foundation for selected secondary schools across Ogun State.
Over 300 students participated in the contest, which aimed to identify top-performing learners and encourage leadership development.
Commissioner Arigbabu praised Alaka’s achievement and described the initiative as a way to reward diligence and motivate students.
“Alaka has performed exceptionally well, and we hope her experience motivates other learners to pursue excellence in their studies,” he said.
Alaka rges ICT investment
During her brief tenure, Alaka used the platform to advocate for greater investment in digital education.
She highlighted the increasing reliance on computer-based testing (CBT) for national examinations such as JAMB and WAEC and urged the government to ensure students have access to functional ICT facilities.
“Students in Ogun State must be adequately prepared for the digital transition,” she said. “Currently, only a few public schools have functional CBT centres, and deliberate policy action is needed to address this gap.”
Alaka also stressed the importance of teachers’ welfare, saying, “No education system can grow beyond the quality and motivation of its teachers.”
She commended the state government for reforms in the education sector over the last six years but called for further improvements to enhance learning outcomes.
Habib Adebiyi, founder of the Adebiyi Habib Foundation, said the One-Day Commissioner programme is designed to build leadership capacity among young learners.
“In the last three years, more than 50,000 students have benefited directly or indirectly from our initiatives,” he said. “We hope this initiative inspires students to excel in leadership and prioritise academic excellence.”
Alaka described the experience as life-changing, noting that it has motivated her to continue working hard and to encourage other students in Ogun State to aim high academically.