The Oyo State government says contrary to the insinuation that it is not properly funding primary and secondary schools in line with the promise of Governor Seyi Makinde, education remains its top priority.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barrister Abiodun Abdulraheem stated this while featuring on BOTTOM LINE – a weekly political programme on IBR 92.5fm Ibadan, anchored by Aanuoluwapo Omorinde.
It will be recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde had in his inaugural speech cancelled the payment of three thousand naira levy in public primary and secondary schools in the state. This move of the governor has been heavily criticised by the opposition accusing the governor of not walking his talk on free education.
Reacting to the rumour that schools in the State are not being properly funded, the Commissioner described this impression as a figment of the imagination of those that are peddling this rumour disclosing that grants for schools for the running term were released two weeks ago hence, no school is writing the first term examination questions on the board.
“I visited about five schools only yesterday to monitor happenings there and no where was examination questions written on the board for the Students. His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde is very committed to his promise on education”.
He however attributed the delay in the release of the grants to the inability of some school Heads to give proper account of what they have been given in the past.
When asked if is aware of happenings in the remote areas, he answered in the affirmative.
He also reiterated that the state government is not owing any primary school Teacher 2020 Leave Bonus. “It is the handiwork of the opposition to discredit the efforts of the governor but they have failed. I think it is good we look at where we are coming from. We met a very bad situation on ground and when you look at what is happening presently, you will agree with me that we have made a lot of progress”.
Speaking further, Abdulraheem noted that the Seyi Makinde led administration has a robust plan to fix the infrastructural deficit in public schools in the state. “Construction of chairs and tables is given to some Contractors and as they build them, they are handed over to the government who then distribute them to these schools. So, the issue of pupils and Students taking chairs and table to school does not arise”.
The Commissioner also announced that the School Management Board (SGB) model will be re-introduced back in schools for effective administration in the schools.
