Ondo Govt Moves to Regularise SUBEB Recruitment, Assures Workers of Welfare Boost
The Ondo State Government has announced plans to address irregularities in last year’s primary school recruitment exercise conducted by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), with a promise to absorb qualified applicants into the system.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa made this known on Friday while addressing affected candidates on the sidelines of the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade in Akure.
He acknowledged complaints from applicants who were issued fake employment letters and assured them that the government would regularise their appointments through due process to ensure proper documentation and formal inclusion.
Following the governor’s directive, the Permanent Secretary of SUBEB, Dr. Abike Bayo-Ilawole, instructed affected candidates to report to the board’s office on Monday for the completion of their recruitment and documentation.
Earlier at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, security, and overall development in the state.
He charged workers to align with ongoing government reforms to enhance productivity and deliver tangible socio-economic benefits to citizens, noting that labour remains central to governance and development.
The governor highlighted key achievements of his administration, including prompt payment of salaries and allowances, implementation of cash-backed promotions without arrears, and the recruitment of about 4,000 workers across critical sectors such as education, health, and agriculture.
He also disclosed that outstanding gratuities, including those owed to 2018 and 2019 retirees, had been cleared, with a commitment to settle all pending arrears.
On security, Aiyedatiwa said the state had strengthened the Amotekun Corps with the recruitment of 500 additional personnel and provision of operational vehicles, alongside improved collaboration among security agencies.
He added that poverty alleviation programmes, including youth empowerment, skills acquisition, and agricultural support schemes, were being intensified to tackle unemployment and boost economic growth.
Speaking on the Workers’ Day theme, “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” the governor identified unemployment and economic hardship as drivers of insecurity and reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges.
He urged workers to uphold discipline, integrity, and innovation in service delivery, warning against inefficiency and delays in the public service.
In his remarks, the Head of Service, Bayo Philip, commended the administration’s labour-friendly policies, including regular promotions, improved welfare packages, and large-scale recruitment, describing the reforms as unprecedented.
Labour leaders, including representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, also praised the governor’s efforts while calling for sustained action to address security and economic concerns.
The event marked the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration, with renewed calls for stronger collaboration between government and labour to drive development in Ondo State.
