The Oyo State Government has reopened 23 schools in Ibadan that were closed for 10 years due to a boundary dispute. These schools are located in the Atiba, Afijio, Oyo East, and Oyo West Local Government Areas.
The decision to reopen them followed a meeting on Thursday between Oyo State’s Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal and relevant stakeholders. Lawal, who also serves as Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, instructed the chairpersons of the four LGAs to maintain security and peace within their areas.
On Wednesday, the Deputy Governor led a team of top Oyo government officials on an inspection tour of the reopened schools, stressing the importance of education and expressing concern that the schools had been closed for nearly 12 years.
He highlighted that the current administration would not tolerate children being idle, noting that the closure had significantly impacted the growth and development of children in the community. He emphasised that without education, individuals like Senator Sumonu Monsurah, commissioners, other public speakers, and himself, as the Deputy Governor, would not have been entrusted with public office.
Barr. Lawal urged community leaders to respect the State Government’s decision regarding the schools, to foster unity, and to ensure sufficient security for these institutions. He also encouraged traditional leaders to safeguard the children and teachers, stressing that the peace and safety of students in special schools are essential.
Remarks From The Deputy Governor
While calling on parents in the communities to start enrolling their children, the Deputy Governor reassured them that the Oyo State government will rebuild school buildings to provide a suitable learning environment. He said that with education, children can become governors, deputy governors, senators, doctors, lawyers, or anything else in life.
He added that it is sad that the schools were closed down for close to 12 years, and they will do everything to ensure that the school environment is conducive to learning. In the next two weeks, he will ensure that the school field is in place for the pupils.
Oyo government is assuring parents that the current administration will take all reasonable steps, including providing computers for students to use for learning, even though they require the Ministry of Education to report any school representatives who disregard their instructions.
He noted that in order to educate the students, they must give them life. It is crucial for the students in special schools to be safe and secure. He also expressed gratitude to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for his efforts in improving the state’s educational system and for his support in reopening the 21 schools and providing academic resources.
Emphasising that the school inspections are unrelated to any border disputes, the Deputy Governor pledged to do whatever is necessary to help the students thrive, even if it involves additional expenses. Later, he shared that Senator Sumonu Monsurah has committed to providing standard uniforms for the pupils, and Honorable Poto will undertake the rebuilding of the Methodist Basic School in Ajagba.
Previously, the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Professor Soliu Adelabu, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde and Deputy Governor Barrister Lawal for their efforts in facilitating the school’s reopening.
He noted that over 200 students are currently enrolled and stated that the school’s reopening might not have been possible without the support of the Oyo State government. The commissioner mentioned that the governor has arranged for textbooks for the newly reopened schools and confirmed that the Ministry of Education will directly oversee them. The event also included a symbolic presentation of exercise books to the schools.
List Of Affected Schools
The schools affected include Community Basic School, Obananko; Community Basic School, Laagbe; Pinnock Memorial Baptist School, Aba Epo Oluwatedo; and Baptist Basic School, Oluwatedo, all in Oyo. Other schools on the list are St. Luke Anglican, Bada Idiyalode; L.A. Basic School, Ago; and Community Basic School, Igbo Olose, all in Oyo West LGA.
Additional schools include Community Basic School, Adebimpe; Community Basic School, Obasere; St. Thomas Anglican School, Alabi Olorunda; St. Michael RCM, Apaara Village; and Methodist Primary School, Ajagba, all in Oyo.
There are also Baptist Central School, Oniyanrin; Baptist Primary School, Aguo; ADS Primary School, Baba Elesin in Oyo East LGA; L.A. School, Lannite; and L.A. Primary School, Gudugbu Orile, all in Oyo. Lastly, L.A. Primary School, Gudugbu; ADS Primary School, Aba Olori; ADS Primary, Abujakan; L.A. Basic School, Alagbon; and L.A. Basic School, Imeleke, all in Oyo East LGA, are included.
The event was attended by former Oyo Speaker, Senator Sumonu Monsurah, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ojo Ijaya, and traditional and community leaders.
