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By Daily Topic
Pupils of Balogun Oyelakin Community Primary School in Ibadan South East Local Government Area continue to learn in classrooms that are in dire need of repair, despite Oyo State’s N90.6 billion educational budget for 2024 and the projected increase for 2025.
The classrooms have leaking roofs, no windows, and lack essential facilities, according to a report by MonITNG, a civic technology platform that provides citizens with information to track the progress of public projects and access public data.
During the rainy season, the rooms flood, while in the dry season, unbearable heat makes it difficult for pupils to concentrate, causing frequent illness. The walls of the school remain unplastered, leaving students exposed to the elements, the report said.
The school’s walls remain unplastered, leaving students vulnerable to harsh conditions.
The report noted that in 2023, Oyo State allocated ₦58.2 billion to education, representing 18.78% of its ₦310 billion budget. The allocation increased to ₦90.6 billion in 2024, accounting for 20.88% of the state’s ₦434.2 billion budget.
The 2025 budget proposes further investment in education, though the exact figure has yet to be disclosed.
In addition, the World Bank granted ₦3.5 billion to the state in June 2024 under the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) initiative to renovate 105 public primary schools.
“Despite these investments, Balogun Oyelakin Community Primary School has been overlooked,” MonITNG stated.
“During the rainy season, classrooms are flooded; in the dry season, the heat is unbearable, causing pupils to fall ill.”
The severe shortage of furniture exacerbates the learning conditions, making it even more difficult for students to focus and learn effectively.
MonITNG called on Governor Seyi Makinde and the Oyo State Government to immediately address the neglect and ensure that Balogun Oyelakin Community Primary School is included in renovation plans before the next academic term.
“Every child in Oyo State deserves a conducive learning environment,” the statement concluded.
ATTENTION!!!
Dear Gov @seyiamakinde
We visited Balogun Oyelakin Community primary School, Ibadan South East LGA, Oyo State, and were deeply troubled by the conditions there.
Despite Oyo State’s substantial education budgets in recent years, this school remains neglected.
