Oriire Abduction: Oyo Govt Begs Parents As Pupils Shun School

The Oyo State Government has appealed to parents in Oriire Local Government Area to encourage their children to return to school following the recent abduction incident in the area.

The appeal came as pupils of Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, remained absent from school despite the commencement of the new academic session.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, made the appeal during a working visit to rescued learners, teachers and affected communities at Ahoro Dada in the local government area.

Olayiwola, according to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, met with parents, pupils, teachers, traditional rulers, security personnel and other stakeholders to discuss measures to ensure the safe return of learners.

At Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, the commissioner’s team observed that the school was yet to resume for the new academic session.

He also interacted with parents and children in Yawota, where concerns were raised about pupils who had stayed away from school and were instead engaged in skills acquisition during school hours.

While visiting some of the locations where the children were learning various skills, Olayiwola urged parents to remain committed to their children’s education and ensure they return to school.

He directed relevant officials to follow up with the affected learners and facilitate their return, to prevent a rise in the number of out-of-school children in the state.

The commissioner also directed the Director of Basic Education to liaise with the Nigerian Baptist Conference on possible interventions to support the school and prevent its closure.

During a visit to the palace of the Elesinele of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abisoye, Olayiwola sought the traditional institution’s support in restoring normal educational activities in the community.

The monarch assured the government of the palace’s support for schools and teachers, noting that accommodation had been provided for government teachers.

He, however, raised concern over the continued use of the community’s Primary Health Centre as accommodation by military personnel, saying it was affecting the activities of medical workers.

At Ahoro-Esiele Community Grammar School, Olayiwola directed the Tutor General to facilitate the deployment of additional teachers following complaints about shortages, particularly Mathematics teachers.

The commissioner also received an appeal from Parent-Teacher Association teachers seeking absorption into the Teaching Service Commission, citing their continued service before, during and after the security incident.

He directed the Tutor General to prepare a submission on the engagement of interested indigenes willing to teach in the community for consideration by the Oyo State Governor.