Oyo State Government Mandates Reopening of 23 Long-Closed Schools Following Boundary Crisis Resolution
IBADAN/Nigeria: In a decisive move to address a decade-long closure of 23 schools in Atiba, Afijio, Oyo East, and Oyo West local government areas of Oyo State, the government has issued a directive for their immediate reopening. The initiative was spearheaded by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, who also chairs the State Boundary Committee.
The prolonged closure stemmed from a boundary crisis that Deputy Governor Lawal delved into during a stakeholder’s meeting at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan. The meeting focused on resolving the longstanding land dispute, with particular emphasis on securing a conducive environment for the reopened schools.
Barr. Bayo Lawal, addressing the chairmen of Atiba, Afijio, Oyo East, and Oyo West LGAs, charged them with the responsibility of ensuring security and peace within their respective domains. A stern warning was issued, making it clear that any lapses in security would result in the chairmen being held accountable.
In addition, the Deputy Governor announced that the Ministry of Education would take charge of overseeing the schools upon their reopening. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to taking whatever measures necessary to facilitate the return of children to the classrooms.
Furthermore, Barr. Lawal called upon members of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing the affected constituencies to collaborate with community leaders in ensuring the smooth return of students to school.
Expressing gratitude, Deputy Governor Lawal acknowledged the efforts of the Oyo Global Forum, a non-partisan group of professionals from the affected LGAs, for their commendable interest in the progress of the schools.
He reassured stakeholders that the office of the Surveyor General would intervene in the boundary dispute among the communities. Barr. Lawal urged community leaders to adhere to the government’s verdict on the schools, emphasizing the imperative of considering the future of the affected children.
“I appeal to you, our elders and chairmen of the affected local governments, to consider the future of these children. The primary reason this meeting is held is for the schools that were closed for 10 years to reopen immediately. That is the message from the governor himself,” Barr. Lawal stated.
The affected schools, including Community Basic School Obananko, Oyo, and St. Michael RCM Apaara Village, Oyo, were outlined during the meeting. Notable attendees included the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, and the Executive Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, along with traditional leaders and other key stakeholders.
