Student Becomes One-Day Commissioner for Education in Ogun State
Oluwagbemisoke Alaka took on an unusual leadership role on Thursday when she served as the One-Day Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Ogun State.
Alaka, who earned the opportunity after emerging as the overall winner of an essay and debate competition organised by the Adebiyi Habib Foundation for secondary school students across the state, resumed at about 9:45 a.m. at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology within the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
She was received by the substantive Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, alongside other senior officials of the ministry.
A Lesson in Leadership
Before handing over his seat to the teenager, Prof. Arigbabu explained that the initiative was designed to promote and reward hard work, excellence and academic achievement among learners in Ogun State.
The experience gave Alaka an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the responsibilities of government and the role of leadership in shaping the state’s education system.
During her time as One-Day Commissioner, Alaka appealed to the government to prioritise the welfare of teachers, noting that the strength of any education system depends greatly on the quality, commitment and motivation of its teachers.
Her message highlighted an important reality: improving education is not only about students. It also requires investing in the people responsible for teaching and mentoring them.
“A Life-Changing Experience”
Speaking about the opportunity, Alaka described her experience as life-changing.
She said the opportunity would encourage her to continue working hard while also inspiring other students across Ogun State to pursue academic excellence and develop the confidence to take on leadership responsibilities.
For a young student, occupying the office of a state commissioner, even for a day, offered more than recognition. It provided a practical lesson in leadership, responsibility and public service.
Building Future Leaders
The founder of the Adebiyi Habib Foundation said the One-Day Commissioner initiative was created to develop students’ leadership capacity and prepare them for future leadership roles.
He explained that the foundation’s work is focused on creating opportunities that allow young people to thrive and reach their potential.
“Our effort is to create an enabling environment for students to thrive in line with Goal 4 of the SDGs. In the last three years, no fewer than 50,000 students have benefited directly or indirectly from our programmes.”
He added that the foundation hopes the initiative will serve as a model for encouraging students to pursue excellence while developing the leadership qualities needed to contribute meaningfully to society.
More Than a Competition
The One-Day Commissioner initiative demonstrates how academic competitions can go beyond prizes and certificates to create meaningful experiences for young people.
For Alaka, the experience may have lasted only a day, but the lesson could last a lifetime.
And for the students watching, it sends a simple message: excellence can open doors, and leadership can begin much earlier than we think.
