For seven years, Governor Seyi Makinde has presented his administration as one committed to the development of education in Oyo State, highlighting various interventions and achievements in the sector.
The governor encapsulated this in his Omituntun 1.0 and assured everyone that he will reduce Oyo out-of-school children, but, rather than stemming the figures, it keeps increasing every quarters. This calls for questioning of the policy put in place to address such ugly trend and budgetary allocation to education sector in the last 7 years in Òyó State.
David Oluokun, the Oyo State Coordinator of BSA Voice of Reason Media and RHAIN, has criticised the administration’s education policy, alleging that the condition of some public schools across the state presents a different picture.
Oluokun cited a recently publicised figure by reputable media outlet from its research that says there are more than 670,000 out-of-school children in Oyo State, describing it as a major concern for the state’s education sector.
He questioned how a state widely associated with educational development could be confronted with such a significant number of children who are reportedly out of school.
He attributed the situation to what he described as inadequate planning, neglect and diversion investment in public education. He questioned the various grants the state government has received from International donors and organisations.
Oluokun state that the development requires urgent attention from the state government and other stakeholders in the education sector.
Oluokun also raised concerns about the condition of some public primary and secondary schools across Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa and parts of Ibadan.
He alleged that some school buildings are in poor condition, with damaged roofs, windows and doors, making learning difficult, particularly during the rainy season.
He asserted further that pupils and teachers in some schools were forced to contend with leaking roofs and flooded classrooms during heavy rainfall.
He asked whether such conditions were consistent with the administration’s stated commitment to improving education in the state.
Another concern raised by Oluokun was overcrowding in some public schools.
He alleged that some classrooms accommodate more than 60 pupils despite being designed for significantly fewer students.
According to him, inadequate desks and chairs have also forced some pupils to sit on bare floors, while poor ventilation and limited classroom space further compound the situation.
He questioned how effectively teachers could deliver lessons in overcrowded classrooms, particularly where basic learning facilities are inadequate.
Oluokun said the alleged conditions required a comprehensive review of the state’s investment in public education, as well as greater attention to infrastructure, teaching personnel and access to quality education.
He maintained that the government should prioritise policies capable of reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving learning conditions across the state.
David Oluokun is the Oyo state coordinator for BSA, VOICE OF REASON MEDIA & RHAIN
