The Oyo State Government has intensified efforts to restore normal academic activities and strengthen education delivery in communities affected by the recent security incident in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, stated this during a working visit to rescued learners, teachers, and members of the host communities at Ahoro Dada, Oriire Local Government Area, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
The Commissioner, who led a team of senior officials from the Ministry to the affected communities, engaged students, teachers, parents, traditional rulers, security personnel, and other stakeholders on measures to ensure the safe and effective return of learners to school.
During a stopover at Iseyin District Grammar School, the commissioner assessed teaching and learning activities following the resumption of the first-term academic session. He expressed concern about the level of preparedness observed and charged members of staff to demonstrate greater commitment, diligence, and efficiency in the discharge of their responsibilities.
At Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, the delegation observed that the school was yet to resume for the new academic session. The Commissioner consequently directed the Director of Basic Education to liaise with the Nigerian Baptist Conference on possible interventions to support the school and prevent its closure, as the institution is a private school owned by the Conference.
The commissioner also interacted with parents and children in the Yawota community, where concerns were raised about children who had not returned to school and were instead engaged in skills-acquisition activities during school hours.
While visiting some of the locations where the children were learning various skills, the commissioner encouraged parents to remain committed to their children’s education. He also directed relevant officials to follow up on the affected learners and facilitate their return to school in order to prevent a further increase in the number of out-of-school children in the state.
At Esiele, the Commissioner paid a courtesy visit to the Elesinele of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abisoye, where he sought the continued support of the traditional institution towards restoring normal educational activities in the community.
The traditional ruler reaffirmed the palace’s support for schools and teachers in the area, noting that accommodation had been provided for government teachers in the community.
He, however, raised concerns over the continued use of the Primary Health Centre by military personnel as accommodation, noting that the development was affecting the activities of medical personnel. He appealed for the matter to be addressed.
At Ahoro-Esiele Community Grammar School, the commissioner held discussions with students, teachers, parents, military personnel, and other stakeholders on the challenges confronting the school.
The teachers identified a shortage of personnel, particularly mathematics teachers, as one of the major challenges facing the school. In response, the Commissioner directed the Tutor General to facilitate the posting of additional teachers to the school.
The Commissioner also received an appeal from Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) teachers seeking consideration for absorption into the Teaching Service Commission, based on their continued commitment to the school before, during, and after the security incident.
He directed the Tutor General to prepare a submission on the engagement of interested indigenes of the community who are willing to teach for onward consideration by the Executive Governor of Oyo State.
Addressing the learning needs of the students, particularly the newly admitted JSS1 learners, the Commissioner directed the Tutor General to provide appropriate learning support, while the Curriculum Department was tasked with assessing the availability of relevant textbooks for the school.
The military personnel stationed in the area also highlighted mobility challenges affecting their patrol activities and requested the provision of patrol vans or motorcycles to enhance security coverage within the axis.
The working visit later continued to Oyo, where the commissioner met with principals, teachers, students, and two serving members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Oyekola and Hon. Olorunpọto, at Isale Oyo Community Grammar School.
During the visit, concerns were raised over alleged activities of land grabbers who were clearing portions of the school’s land. The matter, according to the stakeholders, has been reported to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
The working visit underscored the state government’s commitment to ensuring that security challenges do not permanently disrupt access to education while strengthening collaboration among schools, communities, traditional institutions, security agencies, and other stakeholders to restore confidence and sustain learning in affected communities.
Packaged by Dare Raji
