The Oyo State Government has intensified efforts to return children to school in communities affected by the recent abduction in Oriire Local Government Area….
The Oyo State Government has intensified efforts to return children to school in communities affected by the recent abduction in Oriire Local Government Area.
The move followed concerns that the security incident could disrupt education and push more children out of school, with some learners already staying away from classes and taking part in skills-acquisition activities during school hours.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, raised the concerns during a working visit to rescued learners, teachers, parents and host communities in Ahoro Dada, Oriire Local Government Area.
Olayiwola, who led senior officials of the ministry to the affected communities, said the government was working with parents, schools, traditional rulers and security agencies to restore confidence and ensure children return to the classroom safely.
At Yawota, the commissioner interacted with parents and children and visited locations where some of the children were undergoing skills training instead of attending school.
He urged parents to remain committed to their children’s education and directed relevant officials to identify affected learners and facilitate their return to school.
The commissioner said this was necessary to prevent a further increase in the number of out-of-school children in the state.
At Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, the delegation found that the school had not resumed for the new academic session.
Olayiwola directed the Director of Basic Education to engage the Nigerian Baptist Conference on possible interventions to support the school and prevent its closure.
At Iseyin District Grammar School, the commissioner assessed teaching and learning following the resumption of the first-term academic session and expressed concern about the level of preparedness.
He charged staff to demonstrate “greater commitment, diligence and efficiency” in the discharge of their responsibilities.
At Ahoro-Esiele Community Grammar School, teachers identified a shortage of personnel, particularly Mathematics teachers, as a major challenge.
The commissioner consequently directed the Tutor General to facilitate the posting of additional teachers to the school.
Parent-Teacher Association teachers at the school also appealed for consideration for absorption into the Teaching Service Commission, citing their continued commitment to the school before, during and after the security incident.
Olayiwola directed the Tutor General to prepare a submission on the engagement of interested indigenes willing to teach in the community “for onward consideration by the Executive Governor of Oyo State.”
He also directed the provision of appropriate learning support for newly admitted JSS1 students, while the Curriculum Department was tasked with assessing the availability of relevant textbooks.
The security situation also featured prominently during the visit, with military personnel stationed in the area highlighting mobility challenges affecting their patrol activities.
They requested patrol vans or motorcycles to enhance security coverage within the axis.
At Esiele, the commissioner paid a courtesy visit to the Elesinele of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abisoye, who reaffirmed the palace’s support for schools and teachers in the community.
The traditional ruler said accommodation had been provided for government teachers but raised concerns over the continued use of the Primary Health Centre by military personnel as accommodation.
He said the situation was “affecting the activities of medical personnel” and appealed for the matter to be addressed.
The working visit later took the commissioner to Isale Oyo Community Grammar School, where he met principals, teachers, students and two members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Oyekola and Hon. Olorunpọto.
Stakeholders at the school raised concerns over alleged activities of land grabbers who were clearing portions of the school’s land.
The matter, they said, had already been reported to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
The state government said the intervention was aimed at ensuring that security challenges do not permanently disrupt access to education.
It also stressed the importance of collaboration among schools, parents, traditional institutions, security agencies and host communities in restoring confidence and sustaining learning in affected communities.
