Education
Group exposes dilapidated state of public schools in Oyo
A sociopolitical group, under the aegis of Better Oyo Movement (BOM), on Wednesday decried the deplorable state of public schools within Oyo State, adding that the schools’ current palpable condition advertises nothing but the general failure of the Seyi Makinde Government.
In a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the group at the vanguard of developing the state argued that despite the high propaganda machineries which attends barely every activity, event and project embarked upon by the Makinde – led PDP administration visible results on ground have continually proven the opposite, puncturing the lies perpetually spewed by a government “full of deceit”.
BOM, whose release was signed by Dr. Femi Fakunle and Engr. Tunji Hammed, Chairman and Secretary respectively, further noted that it was shameful for the Makinde Government not to have been able to turnaround the fortunes of the state’s public schools, in the face of humongous receipts not only from federal allocations, but also internally -generated receipts, not minding available grants from federal government agencies, nongovernmental organizations and charities.
The statement read, “When Governor Makinde in his inaugural speech cancelled the payment of N3000/session levies hitherto in operation in public schools, we had thought it was a new lease of life for schools within the state, believing he was ready to pump funds into the sector, to at least better the very modest contributions of the Abiola Ajimobi Government.
“Unfortunately, we were very wrong – reason being that available evidences have shown that instead of things improving within the sector, they have, in fact, gone terribly wrong, with no signs of possible improvements, whether now, or in the future. Our tour round the state, backed with pictorial evidences, have punctured holes in the daily doses of governmental hypocrisy, lies and deception the Makinde Government continually feeds our people with. Available pictures only showed one thing; this isn’t the kind of life our people voted for.
“Most schools visited by our team, were dilapidated, with blown-off/leaking roofs, quaking walls, sandy/muddy floors, many without windows, and terribly lacking needed infrastructure like chairs and tables. In some, what could pass for a school is just a single block of classrooms, in a population as much as a thousand!
“Though we would’ve excused this, had the schools been just a few, arguing on behalf of government, that they were like that just because its hands of genie were yet to touch them, and that things would improve, in a matter of days, all things being equal. However, with the widespread number in these cases of dilapidation, no amount of sensible excuse, not even from government’s paid megaphones, or its N30,000/month advocates, can hold water – what is obvious to the blind and audible to the deaf, is that the Makinde Government hasn’t, in the last three years, laid a single block on the other, nor provided tables and chairs.
“For the avoidance of doubt, what is currently available in Army Barracks Grammar School, Iwo-Road, Oke’badan High School, Agugu, Ijaiye High School, Ijaiye, Baptist Primary School, Arinkinkin, Oyo, Anglican Primary School, Jobele, Ratibi College, Holy Trinity Grammar School, Old-Ife Road, to mention but a few, are eyesores, not worthy of any classification. How the governor is glad these are the legacies he’s bequeathing the state is in fact, befuddling.
“Much as this deliberate neglect isn’t surprising, for we know the current Oyo State Government isn’t one that prioritizes “soft” projects like school construction, rehabilitation or repair, unlike its lust for securing loans to execute “hard” projects like road and motor parks construction, farm settlements rehabilitation etc, at inflated prices, our only surprise is in the fact that the humongous amounts it usually wastes on the production of exercise books, amongst other prodigal projects, could’ve been deployed in the refurbishment of our schools.
“A government that only released grants in two terms out of the 10 it had been in power, yet projects an atmosphere of abundance, peace and tranquility in the school system, is nothing but the chief in deceits, it deserves no empathy,” it continued.
Challenging the Makinde Government to list its achievements in the public education sector, particularly in the provision of school infrastructure, in the last three years it had been in the saddle, the group, however reminded the governor that his days of deceit, hypocrisy and barefaced lies are over, as the good people of Oyo State were now determined, more than ever, to punish him in the 2023 polls, as they will return to the reins of power in Agodi, a government which is pro – people, honest and humane.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the commencement of its Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CBWASSCE) for private candidates, starting from October 25, 2024.
The examination is set to run until December 20, 2024, according to a statement released by the council on Tuesday.
In a bid to modernise the examination process, WAEC disclosed that the CBWASSCE will be conducted in a hybrid format.
Adesina Fadekemi, the council’s spokesperson, explained that the objective or multiple-choice questions would be displayed onscreen, requiring candidates to submit their responses electronically.
However, for essay and practical questions, while the questions will also be presented digitally, candidates will still provide answers using traditional answer booklets.
Additionally, WAEC has provided an option for candidates who prefer to use the conventional Paper and Pen mode for all exam papers, catering to those not comfortable with the digital format.
The council also extended the registration deadline for the upcoming CBWASSCE to Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
Candidates who miss the registration window can still take advantage of the “Walk-in-Candidate” option, allowing them to register 24 hours before their preferred paper is scheduled.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, has reaffirmed his commitment to aiding the Federal Polytechnic Ayede in realising its full potential.
Senator Akintunde made this pledge during a courtesy visit to the institution’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday.
Speaking during the visit, the lawmaker highlighted his passion for contributing to humanity, especially through the advancement of education and skills development.
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“I am part of the polytechnic system. I started at The Polytechnic, Ibadan before going to Lagos State University, Ojoo, Lagos. I’m a lover of knowledge and I am always striving to contribute my quota in the area of education and skills development, among others, and in the legislative assignments as my primary responsibility,” he stated.
The APC chieftain further emphasised his dedication to supporting the Polytechnic and its community, stating that leaders should be driven by a commitment to serving humanity.
He cited the legacy of Hon. Olu Afolabi, a Second Republic House of Representatives member, who was instrumental in establishing the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.
“Afolabi’s legacy remains evergreen today,” Akintunde remarked, emphasising the importance of creating lasting impacts through public service.
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As part of his developmental projects for the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Akintunde disclosed that he had procured 120 solar-powered boreholes to be installed across the 118 wards of the 11 local governments in his senatorial district, along with 10,000 solar street lights.
He assured the Federal Polytechnic Ayede that some of these solar street lights would be installed within the institution to enhance security and visibility on campus.
Earlier, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, who was represented by the acting Rector and Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr. Azeez Ojo, expressed gratitude to the senator.
The Rector noted that Senator Akintunde had demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropic causes even before assuming office as a senator.
“You see, it’s a great privilege receiving Distinguished Senator Yunus Akintunde and his entourage on our campus today. Out of your magnanimity, Sir, you have decided to receive us,” Ojo said, acknowledging the senator’s gesture.
“Our Rector is away to Abuja for the progress and development of our Polytechnic. So, on behalf of the Chairman of our Governing Council, Barrister Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu; Rector; other Principal Officers; Deans; Directors; staff, and students, I welcome you and your entourage to Federal Polytechnic Ayede.
“While on Brave FM, you have, before even telling us, announced the gesture of solar lights donated to us. This we appreciate with the whole of our hearts,” he said.
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The Rector assured the lawmaker that his support would be instrumental in the continued growth and development of the fast-expanding institution.
The visit concluded with the Polytechnic community expressing hope for further collaboration with the senator in the areas of educational and infrastructural development.
(c) Mega Icon Magazine
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised serious concerns over the mass exit of 30 PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly known as Bauchi State University, citing deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions as primary reasons for the exodus.
The worrying development was brought to light during a press conference held by ASUU on Friday, where officials of the union detailed the various challenges faced by academic staff at the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the union, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, lamented the lack of proper policies to retain top scholars, pointing out the absence of a formal employee exit policy.
“Many of our best scholars have been forced to seek better opportunities elsewhere,” Timothy said, adding that “SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place, as obtained in the structured public service regulation in the country.”
He further explained that the lack of such provisions leaves academic staff insecure about their future. “Without a pension or death benefit scheme, our members feel unsafe and unsure of their long-term prospects,” Timothy remarked.
In addition to these grievances, the union condemned the university’s administration for its failure to pay over 650 million naira in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners. This has further deepened the discontent among staff members.
“Despite the university generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their contributions,” Timothy disclosed.
The union also raised concerns over the sharp increase in student fees, coupled with the administration’s neglect of staff training and development.
Timothy criticised the university for imposing over a 100 percent hike in fees for regular undergraduate programmes, yet failing to address staff welfare.
“The university claims it lacks funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students,” he stated.
ASUU also expressed displeasure with the continued tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has remained in office since the university’s inception.
The union called for adherence to established regulations governing appointments, arguing that the prolonged tenure has stifled accountability and hindered the implementation of progressive policies.
In light of these critical issues, ASUU urged the Bauchi State Government and other stakeholders to take immediate action to address staff welfare, calling for the establishment of a comprehensive exit policy and the payment of overdue allowances.
“Unless these issues are resolved, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony within SAZU,” Timothy warned.
He further called on the state government to declare a state of emergency at the university to ensure that all contentious matters are urgently addressed, securing the future of both academic staff and the institution.
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