Six Years in Office : Oyo’s Education Sector Advances Meritoriously Under Makinde – GSM Advocates

Governor Makinde’s administration has been instrumental in propelling Oyo’s education sector forward, showcasing a commitment to improving educational standards and outcomes.

“Governor Makinde’s tenure has witnessed significant advancements in Oyo State’s educational sector, backed by tangible data. Notably, the state now boasts three fully operational universities, a remarkable achievement. This expansion includes the sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), the upgrading of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education to Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, and the existing Ibadan Technical University, previously renamed in honor of Late Governor Abiola Ajimobi. These developments underscore Makinde’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure in Oyo State.”

Governor Seyi Makinde recognized education’s pivotal role in building a thriving nation. Since assuming office in 2019, he has prioritized education, understanding its foundational importance in fostering growth, development, and future opportunities.

His achievements in education over the past six years are truly remarkable, surpassing previous administrations with his outstanding performance and commitment to prioritizing education. His efforts have likely had a significant and positive impact on the sector.

Governor Makinde led administration’s achievements in education for the first two years has erased the damaged done in the sector for years, these include the construction of 26 model schools, the construction of 87 classrooms and office blocks, the renovation of 132 classrooms, and the installation of 52 boreholes. In all, the Makinde administration completed over 300 projects in the education sector alone. These projects improved the learning atmosphere of the thousands of pupils/students in the Oyo State public and private school system.

His administration inherited 272,847 out-of-school children in Oyo State and he has been able to get 54,569 children (10,914 boys and 43,655 girls) back to school. This reduces the number of out of school children by 20%. All state-owned schools continue to operate the no fees and levies policy which his administration instituted when he assumed office in 2019.

Oyo State has been implementing the Better Education Service Delivery For All (BESDA) programme, a World Bank initiative. This initiative targets out-of-school children especially the girl child. In the past one year, the following has been achieved under the programme:

Also, the Ministry of Education procured furniture for 50 public secondary schools across the state. In total, 2,500 pairs of desks and chairs are being.

To address shortages in state-owned secondary schools, 4,700 teachers were recruited by TESCOM in the past year, while the recruitment of 300 more is ongoing. Also, 114 non-teaching staff were converted to teaching staff (Education Officer) for public secondary schools by March 18, 2021. The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has recruited 5,600 primary school teachers and 80 caregivers in the state. This has reduced the high rate of pupil/teacher ratio in the state.

In the past year, the Oyo State Government has distributed science equipment to all public secondary schools in the state.

Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s achievements include the construction of 8 model schools, the construction of 51 classrooms with toilets, the renovation of 88 classroom blocks, the installation of 36 boreholes and the construction of perimeter fences in 7 schools. In all, Governor Makinde’s administration completed over 200 projects in the education sector alone. These projects improved the learning atmosphere of the thousands of pupils/students in the Oyo State public and private school system.

The Education Sector through the School Governing Board (SGB) and School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) from time to time used school heads and Local Inspectors of Education to seek support from alumni in the past year. These have yielded intervention in terms of construction of classrooms, the establishment of skills acquisition centres, renovation of blocks of classrooms, etc. some examples of such supports are:

The establishment of computer laboratories at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, construction of skills acquisition centre at Ladigbolu Grammar School, Oyo, provision of well-equipped Home Economics Laboratory in Olivet Baptist High School by an alumnus of the school were also notable achievements recorded by the current administration.

Oyo State under the able leadership of Gov. Seyi Makinde was selected as the only beneficiary southern state of the Global Partnership in Education (GPE2). The grant to be disbursed to three states is to the tune of $120 million. Presently, Oyo State has provided all the required Education Policy documents (ASC Reports, Education Sector Plan etc.) to facilitate accessing of the fund.

His administration has indeed positively impacted tertiary institutions in Oyo State. The bursary scheme is a notable initiative, providing financial support to students and enhancing access to higher education. This effort demonstrates his commitment to empowering students and fostering academic excellence.

Governor Makinde’s ongoing rehabilitation of public schools across all 33 local governments in Oyo State is a commendable initiative. This effort will likely improve learning environments, enhance student experience, boost academic performance and increase access to quality education.

Notably, WAEC performance has shown magnificent and positive results. These accomplishments demonstrate his commitment to improving education quality and outcomes in the state.

“Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has approved a N554,989,000 bursary and scholarship package for final-year Oyo State students. This initiative supports students in various institutions, including the Nigerian Law School and universities. Notably, it’s the first time in over 15 years that students in Oyo State have received such extensive financial support. This move demonstrates Makinde’s commitment to education and investing in the future of Oyo’s youth.”

Notably, this is the first time in over 15 years that students in Oyo State have benefited from such an extensive financial support system. Since taking office in 2019, Governor Makinde’s administration has prioritized education, consistently allocating resources to enhance the student experience and learning environment. Each Oyo State student attending the Nigerian Law School has received N500,000 during Makinde’s tenure, demonstrating his dedication to improving educational standards and supporting students financially.

In last six years of Gov. Seyi Makinde’s administration, he has been able to do all these without equivocation or political sentiment.

Summarily, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has made significant achievements in Oyo state’s education sector, including completion of over 600 projects, including classrooms and model schools, increasing access to quality education by 10-11.3%, reduction in out-of-school children by 20% (54,569 children back in school), allocating over 20% of the state’s budget to education, scrapping of educational levies and reducing fees in colleges, recruitment of over 5,000 teachers to improve teacher-pupil ratio, supporting special needs schools with equipment and caregivers, upgrading colleges to universities and providing infrastructure development funds.

These and many more achievements demonstrate Governor Makinde’s commitment to improving education in Oyo State.