The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, has expressed concern over the growing number of out-of-school children in the state.
Adegoke raised the concern on Monday in Ibadan, the state capital, while speaking at the inauguration of his campaign council.
He described the situation as worrisome, noting that urgent steps were needed to ensure that children of school age have access to quality education.
Mega Icon Magazine recalled that a recent report indicated that Oyo State has the highest number of out-of-school children in the South-West, with about 674,324 children between the ages of three and 17 reportedly out of school.
Adegoke said it was disturbing that the situation persisted despite the huge federal allocations accruing to the state.
He stressed the need for greater attention to education and grassroots development, saying local government autonomy would help drive human development and economic growth at the grassroots.
“Local government autonomy is a vital tool in grassroots human development and economic growth,” he said.
