The Oyo State Government has appealed to parents in Oriire Local Government Area to ensure their children return to school as authorities intensify efforts to restore normal academic activities following a recent abduction incident.
The appeal followed the continued absence of pupils of Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, who have not resumed for the new academic session since the security incident.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, made the appeal during a visit to rescued learners, teachers and members of affected communities in Ahoro Dada, Oriire LGA.
Olayiwola, accompanied by senior ministry officials, met with parents, students, teachers, traditional rulers, security personnel and other stakeholders to discuss measures aimed at ensuring the safe return of pupils to school.
At Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, the delegation observed that academic activities had yet to resume.
The commissioner also met with parents and children in Yawota, where concerns were raised over some pupils who had remained out of school and were instead attending skills-acquisition programmes during school hours.
While visiting some of the locations where the children were learning various skills, Olayiwola urged parents to remain committed to their children’s education.
He directed relevant officials to follow up on affected pupils and facilitate their return to school to prevent a further rise in the number of out-of-school children in the state.
The commissioner also instructed the Director of Basic Education to engage the Nigerian Baptist Conference on possible measures to support the affected school and prevent its closure, as the institution is owned by the Conference.
During a visit to the Elesinele of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abisoye, Olayiwola sought the continued support of traditional leaders in restoring normal educational activities across the community.
The monarch reaffirmed the palace’s support for schools and teachers, noting that accommodation had been provided for government teachers in the area.
However, Oba Abisoye expressed concern over the use of the community’s Primary Health Centre as accommodation for military personnel, saying it was affecting healthcare activities.
At Ahoro-Esiele Community Grammar School, the commissioner directed the Tutor General to facilitate the deployment of additional teachers, particularly Mathematics teachers, following complaints about staff shortages.
He also received a request from Parent-Teacher Association teachers seeking consideration for absorption into the Teaching Service Commission, citing their continued service to the school before, during and after the security incident.
Olayiwola directed the Tutor General to prepare a submission on the possible engagement of qualified indigenes willing to teach in the community for consideration by the Oyo State Government.
