Oyo State and World Bank Partner to Renovate 58 Public Schools
IBADAN/Nigeria: In a significant stride towards enhancing educational infrastructure, the Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), has disbursed grants to renovate 58 public schools across the state. This initiative, supported by a World Bank-assisted program, aims to revamp the educational facilities and create a more conducive learning environment.
The announcement was made by Prof. Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, during a stakeholder meeting in Ibadan on Monday. The meeting was attended by Chairmen of School Based Management Committees (SBMCs), headteachers, and other key stakeholders.
“Selected public schools will receive a facelift through rehabilitation,” Prof. Adelabu stated, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in utilizing the funds. He urged the SBMCs and headteachers to ensure that the projects are delivered efficiently and responsibly.
“As part of the approved project scope, some schools were selected for infrastructural development, including the renovation of classrooms, provision of potable water, furniture, toilet facilities, and solar systems,” Prof. Adelabu added.
Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, highlighted that the cost of rehabilitating the selected schools would be determined after inspecting the current conditions of the facilities. He stressed the importance of education in the state’s agenda, noting that the project aligns with the administration’s educational roadmap.
“The BESDA, Additional Fund Transforming Education Sector at the State level is a GPE-sponsored program for states that performed well in the first phase of BESDA,” Dr. Adeniran explained. “This underscores that education is a priority for the Oyo state government under Engr. Seyi Makinde. The rehabilitation of schools will create a conducive learning environment for our children.”
Special Adviser on Education Intervention, Oloye Tiamiyu Suraju Abiodun, reiterated the grant’s objective to transform school infrastructure across the state. He assured that the selection process for beneficiary schools was objective and free from political interference.
“This project will enhance the capacity of education in the state,” Oloye Suraju-Abiodun said. “Meeting the World Bank’s criteria and benchmarks will determine the next phase of the project.”
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the GPE to support three focus states in Nigeria—Oyo, Adamawa, and Katsina—in addressing issues of access and learning outcomes. “We are about to witness a transformation in the infrastructure of underserved or hard-to-reach schools, making learning more conducive, increasing enrollment, and ultimately reducing the number of out-of-school children,” Oloye Suraju-Abiodun added.
Mr. John Olalere Omolewu, SBMC Chairman of Community Basic School, Idi Ose, Igana, speaking on behalf of the beneficiary schools, pledged a quality and transparent execution of the renovation projects.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward in improving educational infrastructure and outcomes in Oyo State, setting a precedent for similar initiatives across Nigeria.
