The Oyo State Government has evacuated 359 illegal structures and shanties shielding its public primary and secondary school premises within the Ibadan metropolis.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing sanity to school premises in the state, during the exercise on Monday.
About two months ago, Mogbonjubola had directed the issuance of eviction notices, directly issued to owners of the illegal shops, shanties, and structures, who acknowledged the notices which were dispatched through the principals and heads of the affected schools.
The Commissioner assured the people of the readiness on the part of the government to remove all impediments capable of distractions around school premises towards a more conducive learning environment in the state.
He stated: “We would not rest on our oars, until sanity is maintained…Every student stands to learn better and maximise his/her potential, only if the learning environment is favorable…The present administration of His Excellency, Seyi Makinde, will never look away from this reality.”
Consequently, about 45 schools, where illegal structures were feasibly erected, now wear better looks.
Some of the schools are: IMG, Ode Aje; Islamic Primary and Secondary Schools; IMG Olubadan Basic Schools 1, 2, and 3, Orita Aperin; Government Technical College, Orita Aperin; Christ Church High school; United Mission College Demonstration School 1, Molete; and IDC Basic School, Adobe.
Others are, St Stephen’s Primary School, Alegongo; Community High School Alegongo; Issabatudeen Girls’ Grammar School, Orita Basorun; St Paul’s Anglican Primary School, Yanbule; Methodist Grammar School Bodija; Emmanuel College, U.I, and a host of others.
The Commissioner, however, warned owners of the illegal shanties against further occupation of the school premises to avoid facing the wrath of the Oyo State Environmental laws.
In another dimension, Mogbonjubola commended owners of the illegal shops and structures who had complied before the arrival of his team.
The Executive Governor, Seyi Makinde had during one of his night inspections in the Ibadan metropolis discovered an array of shanties and illegal structures overshadowing most schools and their fences, a situation he described as highly disgusting and inappropriate.
Members of the team include the acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Moradeyo Sunday, directors, and Environmental Health Officers.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
