Public primary schools in Oyo State are falling apart despite the Governor Seyi Makinde-led government allocating ₦90.6billion to education in 2024.
In many schools, classrooms are overcrowded, children sit on bare floors due to a lack of desks, and some buildings have no roofs, exposing pupils to harsh weather conditions.
This is happening even after the state allocated ₦58 billion to education in 2023, raising concerns over the impact of these funds.
One of the worst-hit schools is St. Stephen Primary School in Aresa Community, South West LGA, where a windstorm blew off the roof, leaving pupils to study in the open.
Civic technology platform, Monitng, which visited the school, described the situation as shocking.
Their findings come despite the education budget increasing by over ₦32 billion between 2023 and 2024.
The group questioned the state’s education spending, stating, “Despite Oyo State allocating ₦58 billion to education in 2023 and ₦90.6 billion in 2024, many primary schools remain in terrible conditions.
“Where are these funds if pupils are learning in such an environment?” With the state increasing its education budget by nearly 60% in 2024, they demanded transparency on how the funds are used.
They raised concerns over neglect, saying, “It is alarming that despite the massive budget for education, schools like St. Stephen remain abandoned.”
The growing budget from ₦58 billion in 2023 to ₦90.6 billion in 2024 has intensified scrutiny over whether funds are reaching schools in need.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, they demanded action, declaring, “If public education is truly a priority, urgent intervention is needed to provide safe, well-equipped, and conducive learning spaces for children.”
Many wonder why, despite a significant budget increase in 2024, schools like St. Stephen are still suffering from basic infrastructure failures.
Calling on the state government, Monitng urged, “We call on Governor Seyi Makinde & the Oyo State government to take immediate action and fix public schools in Oyo State.” This appeal comes as Oyo’s education budget reached its highest allocation in two years, yet conditions remain dire.
They warned that continued neglect would have lasting consequences for the state’s future generations.
“The future of our children is at stake,” they concluded, questioning why the ₦90.6 billion budget in 2024 has not resulted in better school conditions compared to 2023, when ₦58 billion was allocated.
The #FixOyoSchools campaign is gaining traction, with many awaiting the government’s response on how both the 2023 and 2024 education budgets are being utilised.
SOURCE: Sahara Reporters
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