Education is the bedrock of every society, and the condition of our schools is a reflection of the value we place on the future of our children. It is with deep concern that I draw the attention of the Oyo State Government, stakeholders in the education sector, and the general public to the alarming state of public primary and secondary schools across the state.
A striking example is Ratibi Muslim Primary and Secondary School, located in Oluyoro Oke-Ofa Ibadan. Once a center of learning and community pride, the school faces severe infrastructural decay. The classrooms are dilapidated, roofs are leaking, windows and doors are broken, while students sit in overcrowded, poorly ventilated spaces that are unsafe and inconducive for learning.
Teachers, despite their dedication, are handicapped by the lack of basic teaching materials and a safe learning environment. Pupils and students are forced to endure conditions that not only hinder academic excellence but also expose them to health and safety risks.
This situation is not peculiar to Ratibi Muslim Schools alone but is a widespread challenge across public schools in Oyo State. If urgent steps are not taken, the state risks jeopardizing the future of thousands of children, thereby undermining the human capital development of the state.
I therefore call on His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, and the Oyo State Ministry of Education to:
1. Embark on urgent renovation and rehabilitation of Ratibi Muslim Primary and Secondary School and other public schools in similar condition.
2. Provide modern learning facilities such as furniture, libraries, laboratories, and ICT resources.
3. Strengthen monitoring and maintenance structures to ensure schools remain in good condition.
4. Prioritize the welfare of teachers and students, ensuring they are adequately equipped to fulfill their roles.
Education is a right, not a privilege. Every child in Oyo State deserves access to quality education in a safe, conducive environment. The time to act is now.
Amb. Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade
Taalib Jami’ei, Islamic Propagation Rabwa Saudi Arabia
agunbiadeib@gmail.com
