Kwara State has concluded a week-long intensive training programme for 384 School Support Officers (SSOs) to enhance their capacity to improve school governance and teaching quality through modern technology.

The SSOs, field officers under the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), are responsible for assisting school administrators, supporting teachers, and supervising head teachers across the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The training, held between 19-26 May 2025, focused on equipping participants with digital tools to streamline teacher oversight and strengthen educational outcomes.

A statement by Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mashood Agboola, highlighted the initiative as a critical step in leveraging technology to modernise education management and ensure effective supervision of school staff.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Ilorin on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, applauded the participants for their sacrifice and commitment to transform the education sector of the state.

He said they are expected to support the government's efforts to improve learning outcomes across schools.

"Now, you have the responsibility to join the efforts to take the education sector to greater heights. We are confident that we will not blame ourselves for giving you this task. We will also not regret that the state has invested so much into moving the sector forward. You are expected to put everything you have learnt into practice," he said.

Managing Director, KwaraLEARN, Mrs Laide Abel, said the training mirrors the vision of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

"You have been equipped because you are the one who will make the KwaraLEARN programme sustainable in Kwara," she said.

"We are handing over the baton to you. You are to make sure all the foundation works that have been done by KwaraLEARN will continue to work excellently in the state. That makes you an important part of history.

"I want you to understand that without you the programme will collapse and I pray that it will not collapse in your hands."

She commended the governor for his education transformation agenda for the education sector focused on enhancing the lives of school children.

Participants, who spoke to newsmen including Mr Musa Saidu from Kaiama local government and Mrs Adeleye Omolara (Ilorin South), lauded the state governor for digitising the education sector through the introduction of the KwaraLearn programme.

The duo said they are now better equipped to be able to discharge their responsibilities.