In a remarkable turnaround that has stunned education watchers across the country, Osun State has surged from 33rd position in 2022 to 7th in the latest national examination rankings an achievement widely credited to the bold reforms and renewed focus on education under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The improvement, captured in the recently released data by national examination bodies, marks a dramatic 26-place leap in just under two academic cycles and underscores the governor’s commitment to revitalizing the education sector as a cornerstone of his administration’s development agenda.
Governor Adeleke, who made education one of the pillars of his electoral promises, expressed delight at the development during a press briefing in Osogbo, stating that the new ranking reflects not just improved statistics but “a new spirit of academic excellence” across public schools in the state.
“When we came in, Osun was almost at the bottom of the national table. We took that as a call to action. Today, I’m proud to say Osun is now 7th in the country. This is the reward of strategic planning, teacher motivation, infrastructural upgrades, and consistent support for students and schools,” the Governor said.
Key reforms implemented under Adeleke’s administration include aggressive investment in teacher training, rehabilitation of school infrastructure, digital learning tools, and the revival of free and subsidized exam registration for students in public schools. The state also introduced monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability in school administration and curriculum delivery.
Education stakeholders in the state have lauded the Adeleke-led government for turning the tide in such a short period. According to the Osun State Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, “We are witnessing a transformation driven by political will and smart policies. Our teachers are better equipped, students more motivated, and the entire learning environment has improved.”
Reactions from parents, school heads, and student unions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the achievement as “a long-overdue redemption of Osun’s educational pride.”
As Osun State basks in this significant milestone, there is renewed optimism that the state is on track to reclaim its place as a hub of academic distinction in Nigeria. The leap from 33rd to 7th is not just a statistical feat—it is a strong signal that with visionary leadership and focused investment, public education in Nigeria can thrive.
