DILAPIDATED SCHOOLS IN OYO STATE: A CALL FOR URGENT GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION – RATIBI MUSLIM PRIMARY AND COLLEGE AS A CASE STUDY
Education is the bedrock of every society, and the state of our schools mirrors the value we place on the future of our children. With deep concern, I draw the attention of the Oyo State Government, stakeholders in the education sector, and the general public to the alarming condition 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 now suffers from severe infrastructural decay. Classrooms are dilapidated, roofs leak whenever it rains, windows and doors are broken, and pupils sit in overcrowded, poorly ventilated spaces that are unsafe and unconducive for learning.
Despite the dedication of teachers, they remain handicapped by the absence of basic teaching materials and a safe environment to impart knowledge. Pupils and students endure conditions that not only hinder academic excellence but also expose them to serious health and safety risks.
This crisis extends far beyond Ratibi Muslim Schools. Across Oyo State, many public schools face similar or even worse conditions. If urgent action is not taken, the state risks jeopardizing the future of thousands of children, thereby weakening its human capital development.
I therefore call on His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, and the Oyo State Ministry of Education to:
- Embark on urgent renovation and rehabilitation of Ratibi Muslim Primary and Secondary School, alongside other public schools in similar condition.
- Provide modern learning facilities such as furniture, libraries, laboratories, and ICT resources.
- Strengthen monitoring and maintenance systems to sustain the quality of school infrastructure.
- Prioritize the welfare of teachers and students by equipping them with the resources needed to thrive.
Education is a right, not a privilege. Every child in Oyo State deserves access to quality learning in a safe and conducive environment. The time to act is now.
