Uncertainty in Oyo Schools as Students Resume Amid Damaged Infrastructure
There is growing concern across Oyo State as students and teachers resume academic activities in public schools affected by recent rainstorms that left many buildings in poor condition.
Findings reveal that several schools are currently in a dilapidated state, with reports of blown-off roofs, collapsed classroom walls, damaged ceilings, and destroyed vendor sheds. The destruction, caused by heavy rainfall, has raised serious safety and learning concerns.
### Schools in Worst-Hit Areas
Schools in the Ogbomoso axis were among the most affected, with properties worth millions of naira reportedly damaged.
Some of the impacted schools include Emmanuel Agboola Baptist Grammar School, Laogun Adeoye Memorial High School, Muslim Comprehensive High School, Molete Community High School, and Methodist Secondary Grammar School.
Others are Baptist Grammar School Sunsun, Baptist Comprehensive High School, Muslim Grammar School, Ogbomoso Baptist High School, Government Technical College, and Millennium Model Secondary High School.
As of the time of reporting, no significant repair work had been carried out, worsening conditions for both students and staff.
### Learning Disruption and Safety Concerns
Teachers and residents have expressed concern that the damaged infrastructure will disrupt academic activities and pose risks to students.
A teacher from one of the affected schools described the situation as devastating and called for urgent government intervention.
A resident, Mamoru Adesina, warned that delayed repairs could significantly affect teaching and learning, noting that some critical structures like examination halls have already partially collapsed.
### Assembly Calls for Urgent Action
The Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, described the situation as a serious safety threat.
While raising a motion of urgent public importance, he stressed that damaged infrastructure could halt academic activities, disrupt the school calendar, and negatively impact students’ academic performance and overall development.
He emphasized that safe and well-equipped learning environments are essential and called for immediate government action to rehabilitate affected schools.
### Government Response
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Olusegun Olayiwola, confirmed the extent of the damage, noting that it affected schools across the state, not just Ogbomoso.
He stated that a circular has been issued directing school authorities to prevent students from using unsafe buildings.
According to him, “Any structure that is dilapidated or at risk of collapse should not be used. The safety of students is our top priority.”
He added that the government is working on solutions, urging patience as efforts are underway to address the damage caused by what he described as a natural disaster.
### Uncertain Start to Academic Activities
Despite the resumption, the condition of many schools continues to create uncertainty, with fears that learning may be severely hindered if urgent repairs are not carried out.
Stakeholders have called for swift intervention to restore safe and conducive learning environments for students across the state.
