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.
However, 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.
Oyo records 670,000 out-of-school children
Oluokun cited a figure of 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 insufficient investment in public education.
According to him, the development requires urgent attention from the state government and other stakeholders in the education sector.
‘Some schools have dilapidated classrooms’
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 were in poor condition, with damaged roofs, windows and doors, making learning difficult, particularly during the rainy season.
He further claimed 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.
‘Overcrowding affecting learning’
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.
Watch out for Part 2: The TESCOM and SUBEB Employment Scam.
David Oluokun is the Oyo state coordinator for BSA, VOICE OF REASON MEDIA & RHAIN