Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, highlighted his administration’s commitment to education during the maiden Education Day celebration, “A Day With His Excellency.”
The event, held at Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall in UCH, Ibadan, showcased the state government’s dedication to improving the quality of education.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, emphasized that education was a top priority for the current administration, evident in the allocation of approximately 20 percent of the state’s budget to education. Governor Makinde stated that providing quality education to children was crucial to prevent poverty and enable them to lead successful lives.
He expressed the government’s commitment to building a conducive environment for educational institutions and ensuring that students and teachers had the necessary resources and support to excel. The governor mentioned that the state had initiated actions to sanitize the school environment by removing shops near school fences.
The governor acknowledged the recruitment of about 5,000 teachers under his administration to improve the quality of education in the state and affirmed that the Ministry of Education would continue to receive support.
Governor Makinde also highlighted some of the government’s achievements, including the establishment of a new campus in Iseyin and sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University, with over a thousand students relocated to Iseyin for their education.
He praised parents of award-winning students and acknowledged the importance of their support in improving education in the state. Despite financial constraints, Oyo State sustains three fully owned universities, LAUTECH, Tech-U, and Emmanuel Alayande University.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Professor Solihu Adelabu, echoed the government’s commitment to education, stating that the state budgeted between 15% to 20% for education annually, resulting in significant progress and achievement among students.
He also announced rewards for outstanding students, further encouraging excellence in education. Professor Adelabu emphasized the collective effort required to raise well-rounded individuals.
In closing, he expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their contributions to education in Oyo State and encouraged them to continue their support.
The event celebrated educational achievements and emphasized the importance of quality education in the state.
