Osogbo – May 6, 2025– Under Governor Ademola Adeleke’s leadership, Osun State has achieved a major milestone in education.
According to the National Examinations Council (NECO), the state jumped from 33rd place in 2022 to 7th in the 2024 SSCE rankings.
This impressive progress demonstrates the governor’s commitment to transforming education, fulfilling a key campaign promise.
Previously, Governor Adeleke pledged to secure a single-digit ranking for Osun in national exams.
Today, the state has achieved a 71% success rate in the 2024 SSCE, with 29,101 out of 41,264 candidates earning five credits, including English and Mathematics.
Notably, this marks Osun’s best performance in 18 years, showcasing the impact of targeted reforms.
Additionally, NECO’s report highlighted gender-based achievements, with female students ranking 6th nationally at 72%, while male students secured 10th place at 69.2%.
These results reflect inclusive policies that empower all learners.
A Testament to Educational Reforms
Hon. Dipo Eluwole, the Commissioner for Education, attributed this success to Governor Adeleke’s reforms. He emphasized that Osun has reclaimed its academic excellence, reminiscent of its early post-1991 achievements. Furthermore, the administration has implemented sweeping changes across all educational levels.
For instance, tertiary institutions like Osun State University and the University of Ilesa have seen significant improvements. Similarly, polytechnics and colleges have benefited from upgraded facilities and enhanced curricula. These efforts ensure a strong foundation for future academic success.
Global and National Recognition
Beyond national rankings, Osun has gained global acclaim. In December 2024, the state won the Malaysia International Debate Competition, bringing pride to Nigeria. Moreover, Osun will represent Africa at the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition in Dallas this May.
Domestically, Osun ranked second in the National Sewing Competition and excelled in entrepreneurship education. Significantly, NELFUND rated Osun as the top performer in implementing the National Education Loan Assessment, earning Governor Adeleke a special award.
Governor Adeleke’s Vision for Education
Reacting to the ranking, Governor Adeleke thanked stakeholders for their dedication. He stated, “This achievement fulfills my campaign promise, thanks to God and our team’s hard work.” However, he stressed that this is just the beginning.
“My ultimate goal is to make Osun Nigeria’s top-performing state in education,” he declared. He urged continued innovation to sustain progress. Simultaneously, the governor assured citizens that his administration is addressing teacher recruitment and infrastructure challenges.
“We are repositioning Osun’s education system while maintaining fiscal responsibility,” he added. With these accomplishments, Osun is poised to become a national and global education leader.
A Promising Future
As Osun celebrates this milestone, it sets a benchmark for other states striving for academic excellence. Governor Adeleke’s administration remains committed to building an inclusive, innovative educational system. Consequently, sustained reforms will ensure long-term success, securing a brighter future for Osun’s students.
The state’s remarkable progress proves that strategic leadership and stakeholder collaboration yield outstanding results. Therefore, Osun’s journey toward educational excellence serves as an inspiration nationwide. With unwavering dedication, the state will continue to rise, achieving even greater heights in the years ahead.