The Oyo State Government has appealed to parents in Oriire Local Government Area to encourage their children to return to school following the recent abduction incident in the area.
The appeal was made as pupils of Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, remained absent despite the commencement of the new academic session.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, made the appeal during a working visit to rescued learners, teachers and affected communities in the area.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, Olayiwola met with parents, pupils, teachers, traditional rulers, security personnel and other stakeholders to discuss measures to ensure the safe return of learners to school.
At Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, the commissioner’s team observed that the school had yet to resume for the new academic session.
Olayiwola also interacted with parents and children in Yawota, where concerns were raised about pupils staying away from school and engaging in skills acquisition during school hours.
While visiting some of the locations where the children were learning various skills, the commissioner urged parents to remain committed to their children’s education and ensure that their children return to school.
He directed relevant officials to follow up with the affected learners and facilitate their return, warning against a rise in the number of out-of-school children in the state.
The commissioner further directed the Director of Basic Education to liaise with the Nigerian Baptist Conference on possible interventions to support the school and prevent its closure.
During a visit to the palace of the Elesinele of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abisoye, Olayiwola sought the support of the traditional institution in restoring normal educational activities in the community.
The monarch assured the government of the palace’s support for schools and teachers, noting that accommodation had been provided for government teachers.
He, however, expressed concern over the continued use of the community’s Primary Health Centre as accommodation by military personnel, saying the situation was affecting the activities of medical workers.
At Ahoro-Esiele Community Grammar School, Olayiwola directed the Tutor General to facilitate the deployment of additional teachers following complaints about staff shortages, particularly Mathematics teachers.
The commissioner also received an appeal from Parent-Teacher Association teachers seeking absorption into the Teaching Service Commission, citing their continued service before, during and after the security incident.
He directed the Tutor General to prepare a submission on the engagement of interested indigenes willing to teach in the community for consideration by the Oyo State Governor.
