IBADAN/Nigeria: In a resolute commitment to overhaul the quality of education in Oyo State, the government has announced a rigorous crackdown on substandard primary schools across the region. The state’s Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Soliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, unequivocally emphasized the necessity of dismantling what he referred to as “mushroom” schools that are operating in the state.
During a pivotal meeting with education stakeholders, Prof. Adelabu outlined the decisive measures the government plans to take to raise the standard of primary education in Oyo State. The Commissioner left no room for ambiguity, asserting that these substandard institutions must not be allowed to persist.
Speaking in the state capital, Ibadan, Prof. Adelabu detailed the collaborative efforts that would be undertaken between the Ministry of Education and the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) to tighten the noose on operators of such subpar primary schools. He specifically called upon Education Secretaries and Heads of Sections in the 33 local government areas of the state to prepare for the impending crackdown.
Expressing his deep dissatisfaction with the state of affairs, Prof. Adelabu, who recently conducted an inspection, identified areas in the basic education sub-sector that require immediate attention to forestall further deterioration. He implored all stakeholders to demonstrate unwavering commitment to the cause, stressing that their involvement is crucial for the betterment of children’s education in the state.
The Commissioner also urged relevant stakeholders to intensify their efforts in supervising schools under their purview, emphasizing the paramount importance of enhancing public schools for the benefit of students.
In a passionate appeal, he said, “Let us commit ourselves to the betterment of our public schools, as this will ultimately impact the lives and future of the students under our care.”
Furthermore, Prof. Adelabu disclosed the government’s dedication to addressing infrastructural decay in primary schools. Governor Seyi Makinde has given the Ministry a mandate to identify schools in urgent need of infrastructural upgrades, with a clear directive to maintain an unwavering commitment to quality education in the state.
Regarding the pressing issue of the declining number of primary school teachers due to retirements, the Education Commissioner provided reassurance. “We are aware that teachers are retiring, and the staff strength in our primary schools is reducing,” he acknowledged. “I assure you that, by God’s grace, we will recruit more teachers in the basic education sector by February 2024.”
To underscore the government’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards, the Commissioner called upon education Secretaries and private school owners to prioritize the issue of quality in schools seriously.
Mrs. Olaide Ladipo, the Coordinating Director of OYOSUBEB, echoed the government’s dedication to improving public primary schools. She highlighted the recent inspection by the Commissioner for Education and the OYOSUBEB management team, which identified areas that urgently require attention.
