By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
IN COLLABORATION with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) supported by the World Bank, the Oyo State government, has begun disbursing grants for the renovation of fifty-eight public schools across the state.
It is an initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s educational infrastructure to provide and boost a better learning environment for students.
During a stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan on Monday, Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, announced the disbursement.
The meeting was attended by Chairmen of School Based Management Committees (SBMCs), Headteachers, and other stakeholders involved in the project.
Prof. Adelabu emphasized that the selected schools would undergo significant improvements, including the renovation of classrooms, installation of potable water, provision of new furniture, construction of toilet facilities, and implementation of solar power systems.
He urged the SBMCs and Headteachers to manage the funds transparently and responsibly to ensure successful project delivery.
“As part of the approved scope of the project, some schools will receive infrastructural upgrades to create a conducive learning environment,” Prof. Adelabu stated. “We call on the SBMCs and Headteachers to be accountable and transparent in utilizing these funds.”
Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, noted that the extent of the renovations would be determined after inspections of the schools’ conditions.
He highlighted the importance of education to the current administration and aligned the project with the state’s educational development agenda.
“The BESDA Additional Fund Transforming Education Sector at the State level is a Global Partnership in Education sponsored programme for states that performed well in the first phase of BESDA,” Dr. Adeniran explained. “This project underscores the Oyo State government’s commitment to education under Governor Seyi Makinde, aiming to create a conducive learning environment for our children.”
Special Adviser on Education Intervention, Oloye Tiamiyu Suraju Abiodun, stressed that the grants are intended to revitalize school infrastructure across the state. He assured stakeholders that the selection of beneficiary schools was objective, free from bias or political influence, and based on the World Bank’s criteria and benchmarks.
“We are about to witness a transformation in the infrastructure of underserved or hard-to-reach schools, either through construction or renovation with basic amenities,” said Oloye Suraju-Abiodun. “This initiative aims to make learning more conducive, increase enrollment, and reduce the number of out-of-school children.”
The project also extends support to three other focus states: Oyo, Adamawa, and Katsina, addressing issues of access and improving learning outcomes.
Mr. John Olalere Omolewu, SBMC Chairman of Community Basic School in Idi Ose, Igana, spoke on behalf of the beneficiary schools, pledging quality and transparent execution of the renovation projects.
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