Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced that no fewer than 65,000 out-of-school children have been reintegrated into classrooms across the state.
Makinde disclosed while receiving a delegation from the Better Education Service Delivery for Additional Financing (BESDA-AF) implementation support mission of the World Bank and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) during a courtesy visit to the Executive Council Chamber, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The governor stated that Oyo State has benefitted significantly from the BESDA-AF intervention programme, noting that it has strengthened and improved the education sector in the state.
Expressing appreciation to the World Bank and UBEC for their structural and financial support, Makinde assured that his administration would deploy the necessary efforts and resources to access the funds allocated to the state in the new funding cycle.
“The government and people of Oyo State thank the World Bank and the Universal Basic Education Commission for considering Oyo State worthy to participate in this programme,” he said.
“I understand you will be undertaking field visits tomorrow. From what you observe, we would appreciate your feedback. If there are areas where improvement is required — issues we may not have considered but which you believe could lead to significant progress — we would like to know. We will take your feedback seriously.”
Earlier, the UBEC Team Lead and National Programme Coordinator, Mr Mayowa Aleshin, said the team was in the state to evaluate the implementation of the BESDA-AF project, assess challenges encountered, and make further recommendations.
He commended the state government for what he described as its immense support towards the successful implementation of the intervention programme.
Similarly, the World Bank Team Lead, Mr Shinsaku Nomura, lauded Governor Makinde’s efforts in reforming the education sector and expanding access to quality education at all levels.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Nureni Adeniran; Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Intervention, Hon. Suraj Abiodun Tiamy; and other senior government officials.