Schools

Oyo Schools will stay Shut until Security Improves, says NUT

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  The Nigeria Union of Teachers has stated that public schools in the state should only reopen after the government has implemented sufficient security measures to ensure the safety of pupils, teachers, and other school personnel. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the NUT directed teachers in public schools to embark on an indefinite strike following the abduction of over 40 students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state on May 15. The secretary of the union, Mr Olukayode Salami, told NAN in Ibadan on Tuesday that schools might reopen once the government implements adequate security measures to restore confidence among teachers, parents and learners. Salami said the union’s decision to withdraw teachers from classrooms was prompted by growing insecurity, including the killing of two teachers and the continued captivity of abducted victims. According to him, the development created fear, tension and psychological instability among teachers and learners, while some parents had also begun withdrawing their children from schools. “As much as we have casualties among learners in terms of abduction, we have higher casualties among teachers because two of them were killed. “The continuous detention of victims in captivity is another factor of concern to all of us. “The emotion, tension and panic in society also contributed to the decision because classrooms were no longer safe and teachers were not psychologically stable to carry out their duties,” he said. The NUT secretary noted that the union did not immediately embark on the strike after the incident but took the decision when it became apparent that the security situation had not improved sufficiently. He said the union attached conditions to the suspension of academic activities, including the safe rescue of abducted persons and the implementation of measures to prevent a recurrence. “The condition we attached was for government to intensify efforts and ensure the safe rescue of these people. “Secondly, government must put measures in place that can guard against such occurrences. “No condition is permanent and no decision is permanent. “Once meaningful measures are put in place, there will be a need to review the position and see how we can collectively move forward,” the secretary said. Salami also said that schools should remain safe learning environments and not become targets of criminal activities. “If anybody has a grievance against government, such persons should address it with government and not resort to attacking schools and innocent people who are not responsible for any offence,” he said. The union leader disclosed that the NUT and other stakeholders recently held marathon meetings with government officials to discuss solutions to the security challenges. According to him, a communiqué was issued after the meetings, while action plans were also developed and submitted to the government for implementation. “We are waiting for the implementation of those action plans, especially those requiring immediate action. “Schools and classrooms cannot remain shut forever, but we need to see signs that will restore confidence in society for us to return to work,” he said. Salami called for increased security patrols across vulnerable parts of the state, saying such measures would reassure residents and discourage criminal activities. He suggested the establishment of joint security task forces comprising conventional security agencies and local security outfits, including hunters and vigilante groups. According to him, local government areas bordering forests and other vulnerable locations should have dedicated security formations carrying out regular patrols and intelligence gathering. “If we begin to see security patrols across every nook and cranny of the state, especially vulnerable areas, it will send a signal that government is addressing the situation. “There should be no room for criminality. Once confidence and peace of mind are restored, people will be able to go about their normal activities, including teaching and learning,” he said. Salami, however, noted that the responsibility for providing security rests with the government, which possesses the required personnel, logistics and authority to deploy security operatives where necessary. He urged the government to treat the issue as a matter of urgency in the interest of education and public safety. (NAN)

Oriire Abduction: Oyo Assembly Pushes for Stronger Security Measures in Schools

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  The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for the immediate strengthening of security across public and private educational schools and institutions in the state, following the recent abduction of students and teachers at Community High School, Esiele, and L.A. Primary School, Yawota, in Oriire Local Government Area. The resolution followed a motion moved at Tuesday’s plenary by the lawmaker representing Ibadan South West State Constituency II, Hon. Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi, who urged the Executive Arm of Government to deploy operatives of the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to schools across the state. Moving the motion, Hon. Oluwafowokanmi expressed concern that recent security breaches around schools, particularly the disturbing incident in Oriire Local Government Area, had raised serious concerns about the safety of students, teachers and educational facilities. He noted that public schools are increasingly becoming vulnerable targets for criminal activities, including kidnapping, vandalism, cult-related violence and other forms of insecurity. According to him, the present insecurity challenges in our nation, especially where schools are increasingly vulnerable targets for criminal activities, have become worrisome, and warned that the growing threats to school safety could discourage parents and guardians from sending their children to public schools. “What then will be the hope of children of the less privileged and low-income earners whose only available means of education lies in public schools?. At this moment, we cannot afford to keep silent on the need to take proactive security measures that would prevent the recurrence of the Oriire school attack elsewhere in Oyo State,” he said. The lawmaker further argued that the deployment of trained security personnel to schools, particularly those located in rural communities and areas bordering forests, would strengthen surveillance, improve intelligence gathering and guarantee rapid response to security threats. He stated that such measures would help restore the confidence of parents and guardians in the safety of their children and ensure that fear does not prevent access to education. The House subsequently commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering commitment to the security of lives and property and his continued support for the security agencies and the Amotekun Corps. Lawmakers unanimously urged the Executive Arm of Government through the Amotekun Corps to commence the phased deployment of trained security personnel to public and private primary and secondary schools across the state, with priority attention given to schools located in rural areas, border communities and locations adjoining forest reserves. The Assembly also called on the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to collaborate with Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in conducting comprehensive security audits of all public schools in the state. As part of broader efforts to safeguard educational institutions, the House urged the establishment of a School Security Initiative that would provide dedicated security personnel, communication gadgets, emergency alert systems and other security infrastructure for schools. The lawmakers further recommended the development and enforcement of minimum security standards for all public and private schools, including perimeter fencing, controlled access points and adequate lighting. The House also advocated sustained public awareness campaigns under the “See Something, Say Something” initiative to encourage the prompt reporting of suspicious activities around schools and communities. In addition, the Assembly called for the establishment of functional emergency response and quick-reaction units in each education zone in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Amotekun Corps. The lawmakers equally urged the integration of security education and safety drills into school curricula to equip students with basic safety awareness and emergency response skills. During deliberations, members observed that the current strength of approximately 2,500 Amotekun personnel may not be sufficient to effectively secure all the schools across Oyo State. Consequently, the House recommended the recruitment and deployment of additional security personnel, including trained local hunters and community-based security operatives, to complement the efforts of Amotekun and other security agencies.

Fear in Kwara: 3 Killed, 35 Abducted as State Closes Schools, Seeks Military Base

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  The Kwara State Government, on Wednesday, directed the closure of schools across four Local government areas amid escalating insecurity in the affected communities. The government’s decision was disclosed by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kwara State Wing, on Wednesday. In a circular issued on Wednesday and obtained by The PUNCH, the NUT Chairman, Yusuf Agboola, announced the shutdown of schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti LGAs. Agboola explained that the union was acting strictly on instructions from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development after the government raised concerns over fresh security threats in Kwara South. “Comrade chairmen, this is to inform you and through you, all schools in the above local governments of the instruction to close down all schools with immediate effect until further notice,” the circular read. “This decision was occasioned by the security challenges ravaging the area and the efforts of the government to control the situation. Treat this information as important and with the urgency it deserves, as it emanated from the ministry.” He assured school heads and teachers that further directives would be communicated as the situation evolves. On Wednesday, Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, also announced plans to seek the establishment of a Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Army and a Mobile Police Squadron in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, following Tuesday night’s deadly bandit attack on a church in the community, which left three worshippers dead and over 35 abducted. The governor, who visited Eruku for an on-the-spot assessment, disclosed that he had spoken with the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on the urgent security upgrade needed in the crisis-hit area. “We will speak with the GOC to see that we have a Forward Operating Base in Eruku to enhance security here and also talk to the Inspector General of Police about establishing a mobile squadron here,” Abdulrazaq said. “It is indeed unfortunate what happened yesterday despite all the effort we have been making. Our main purpose here is to commiserate with the people of the community. All the security agencies are on this. The President had to cancel his trip to the G-20 because of this incident and that of Kebbi State. So the President is aware and we are on top of the situation,” he added. Community recounts ordeal For many residents, the governor’s visit came after a harrowing night of fear, bloodshed, and unanswered pleas for help. One of the victims, Adesuyi Joshua, whose wife and granddaughter were among those abducted, recounted the horror. “They took my wife and our granddaughter, who were in the church, along with about 30 other people. At first, we thought the gunshots were knockouts, but the sound changed. By the time we mobilised ourselves to confront the attackers, it was too late,” he said. He accused security agents, especially the police, of worsening the situation instead of assisting the community. “We have soldiers around this place. We also have a police station, but nothing was done throughout the attack. “When we were pursuing the bandits, the police started shooting from their gate. We thought it was the bandits again. When we got to the station, they tear-gassed us and allowed the attackers to escape,” he alleged. Another youth leader, Shola Peters, also accused the police of failing the community despite benefitting from local support. “These are the same police officers the town supported. We built houses for the DPO and the men. When we needed them most, they failed us. “Instead of joining us to pursue the bandits, they stopped us. The Inspector General needs to probe the Eruku division. All they do here is harass young boys and tag them as Yahoo boys or cultists. “We need the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General to come and probe the police. We don’t want them again. Let the government give us guns; we can protect ourselves.” He added that despite having only “a Dane gun and one pump-action,” the youths confronted the armed attackers. “Their firepower was too much. They came with AK-49 rifles and machine guns.” Speaking earlier with The PUNCH, the President Pastor of the attacked church, Pastor Lawrence Abiodun Bamidele, said the congregation was holding a thanksgiving service for 18 kidnapped residents freed last week when the bandits struck. “We are doing Thanksgiving service for the 18 people who were kidnapped three weeks ago, and all of them were rescued. We were thanking God for their safe return, not knowing that danger was lurking around. “The incident happened unexpectedly and so fast. They came in and surrounded the church, shooting sporadically. Some who ran outside were shot from a tree, which one of the bandits climbed. “In the pandemonium, three people died on the spot, and about 35 church members were kidnapped. We need government assistance. This attack is the first of its kind in Kwara State in a church.” The Ekiti LGA Christian Association of Nigeria Coordinator, Pastor Kenneth Adigoke, expressed deep concern, warning that the attack could be interpreted as an assault on the Christian community. “This attack is just like a direct assault on the Christian community and the body of Christ. “Look at the situation that happened yesterday, they entered the church and killed three people on the spot, and kidnapped about 35. If they said there is genocide against the church or the Christian community, it can be justified. “People are not happy. We want the government to handle this insecurity issue dispassionately, and we believe that with prayers, the issue will be tackled.” Protesters block the highway. Earlier in the day, hundreds of angry youths barricaded the Ilorin–Kabba Expressway to protest what they described as “total abandonment” by security agencies during the attack. When The PUNCH visited around 1:30 pm, bonfires, stones, and logs blocked the highway, leaving dozens of trailers and commercial vehicles stranded. Residents insisted the attack lasted almost an hour without any intervention from security operatives reportedly … Read more

Urgent Need for Oyo State Government to Stop Annual Textbook Changes in Schools

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Urgent Need for Oyo State Government to Stop Annual Textbook Changes in Schools

As students resume to schools in all public and private primary and secondary schools in Oyo State on Monday, I am writing to draw attention to a pressing issue affecting parents, students, and the education system in Oyo State: the frequent and unnecessary annual changes to school textbooks, especially by private school owners. While schools may justify this practice as a means to update curricula or align with new standards, it places an undue financial burden on families, undermines sustainability, and does not always translate to improved educational outcomes. Each academic session, parents in Oyo State are compelled to purchase new sets of textbooks for their children, even when the content of these books differs only marginally from previous editions. This practice is particularly challenging for low- and middle-income families who struggle to afford these recurring costs. For example, a single textbook can cost between ₦5,000 and ₦15,000, and with multiple subjects, the expenses quickly become overwhelming. This financial strain often forces parents to prioritize basic needs over education, potentially impacting students’ access to essential learning materials. Moreover, the constant change in textbooks contributes to waste, as older editions are discarded despite being reusable. This practice contradicts efforts to promote sustainability and efficient resource use. It also raises concerns about transparency, as some schools may be influenced by publishers or other stakeholders to adopt new textbooks unnecessarily, potentially prioritizing profit over educational quality. Encouragingly, several other Nigerian states have already taken decisive steps to curb this issue, offering models Oyo State could emulate. For instance, Imo State has prohibited annual replacements, mandating textbooks for a minimum of four years in both public and private schools. Edo State similarly requires reuse for at least four years, while Ogun State enforces a six-year cycle before any changes, with sanctions for non-compliance. Enugu State reviews and approves textbooks for three-year periods, and Benue State has abolished non-transferable customized books to promote handover from seniors to juniors. These policies not only alleviate parental burdens but also foster resource efficiency and consistent learning. While the Oyo State Government has a responsibility to intervene and regulate this practice, I propose the following measures: – Standardize Textbook Usage: The government should establish a policy mandating schools to use approved textbooks for a minimum period (e.g., 3–5 years) unless significant curriculum changes justify updates. – Strengthen Oversight: The Ministry of Education should monitor schools to ensure compliance and investigate cases where textbook changes appear driven by commercial interests. – Promote Reuse and Affordability: This will encourage schools to implement textbook recycling programs and provide subsidies or free textbooks for indigent students. – Engage Stakeholders: Involve parents, teachers, and education experts in reviewing textbook policies to ensure they prioritize student welfare and learning outcomes. By addressing this issue, the Oyo State Government can alleviate the financial burden on families, promote equitable access to education, and foster a more sustainable learning environment—much like its neighboring states. I urge policymakers to act swiftly to regulate textbook changes and prioritize the interests of students and parents. Thank you for providing a platform to highlight this critical issue. I hope this letter sparks meaningful discussion and actions. Alhazan Abiodun Rilwan is the Deputy Director, Information Archives in Oyo State Ministry of Information, Ibadan.

Exam Malpractices: Oyo Govt. Reiterates Ban On Meta Glasses, Phones In Schools

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  IBADAN – The Oyo State government has reaffirmed its ban on mobile phones, smart watches, including Meta eye glasses in schools, especially during examination, warning that violators will face strict consequences. The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, made this known today while addressing education stakeholders including Permanent Secretaries, Inspectors General of Education (PS/IGEs), and Heads of Departments during a meeting held at the Ministry’s conference room. Hon. Olayiwola emphasized the importance of discipline and integrity in the conduct of examinations, noting that an official circular already prohibits students from bringing mobile phones into school premises and examination venues. He urged school authorities to enforce this directive without exception. He further stressed that the use of smart watches, meta eyeglasses, and other devices that could facilitate examination malpractice is also strictly prohibited. The Commissioner called on teachers, parents, and guardians to monitor their wards closely and ensure compliance with these directives. “We must all work together to uphold the integrity of our education system and maintain discipline across our schools,” he stated.

Israel Closes Schools In Response To Growing Security Threats

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  Israel’s Civil Defence Agency has ordered the closure of all schools in the northern part of the country following renewed rocket fire from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, as cross-border violence between the two sides continues to escalate. The directive was issued by the military’s Home Front Command on Sunday, announcing that all educational institutions and activities in the northern region would remain closed until at least Monday at 6:00 pm (1500 GMT). The decision follows a series of rocket attacks from Lebanon, which have heightened tensions and triggered fears of a broader conflict. The closure affects thousands of students, as authorities scramble to ensure the safety of residents in the region amid the growing volatility along Israel’s northern border. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have responded to Hezbollah’s rocket attacks with counter-strikes, but the situation remains tense with no immediate signs of de-escalation. Local officials urged citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to the guidelines provided by the civil defence authorities, as both sides brace for further hostilities.  

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