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.
No fewer than 2,243,816 candidates on Thursday commenced the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board across accredited Computer-Based Test centres nationwide.
The figure represents a 10.5 per cent increase from the 2.03 million candidates recorded in 2025.
The examination, which began on April 16, is being conducted in about 1,000 CBT centres nationwide, with candidates scheduled in four daily sessions to reduce congestion and improve verification processes.
The board said it had deployed biometric verification and real-time monitoring systems to safeguard the integrity of the exercise, noting that candidates whose biometric details could not be authenticated would be rescheduled.
Candidates were advised to print their examination slips from the JAMB portal to confirm their schedules and arrive at least one hour before their examination time.
Under the revised timetable, first-session candidates are expected at 7:00 a.m., followed by 9:00 a.m. for the second session, 11:00 a.m. for the third session, and 2:00 p.m. for the final session.
JAMB disclosed that Lagos State recorded the highest number of registered candidates with 381,814, followed by Ogun with 137,156 and Oyo with 122,662. Kaduna recorded 103,498 candidates, while the Federal Capital Territory had 102,961.
Other states include Rivers with 105,584 candidates and Kano with 83,167, while Borno and Zamfara recorded the lowest figures with 13,483 and 14,861 candidates respectively.
Outside Nigeria, participation remained low, with Côte d’Ivoire recording 32 candidates, followed by Equatorial Guinea with 16, Burkina Faso with 14, and the United Kingdom with 12 candidates.
As part of efforts to enhance efficiency, the board increased the number of CBT centres but delisted 23 centres across several states, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, Edo, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory, over technical deficiencies observed during the mock examination.
The board said the action was necessary to maintain operational standards and ensure the credibility of the examination process.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force dismissed reports of insecurity at some centres, describing such claims as unfounded.
The police said it had deployed additional personnel, including patrol teams, perimeter surveillance units and rapid response squads, to ensure the safety of candidates nationwide.
The force added that it was collaborating with other security agencies to monitor the exercise and respond swiftly to any threats.
It assured parents and candidates of adequate security, urging candidates to comply with examination guidelines, arrive early and report suspicious activities.
The police also advised the public to disregard unverified information on social media and rely on official communication channels.
JAMB reiterated its commitment to transparency, warning candidates against accepting admissions outside its Central Admissions Processing System.
It stressed that any admission conducted outside CAPS would be considered illegal and would not be recognised.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has delisted 23 Computer-Based Test centres nationwide following technical deficiencies recorded during the 2026 mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
The Board disclosed this in a bulletin issued on Friday and signed by its Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, as preparations intensify for the 2026 UTME scheduled to hold across the country from April 16 to April 25.
According to JAMB, the mock examination was designed to assess operational readiness and identify centres that failed to meet the required technical standards.
“Following the conduct of the 2026 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, the Board has delisted 23 Computer-Based Test centres for technical deficiencies,” the statement read.
The Board added that several centres with minor issues had been placed on notice, warning that continued non-compliance could lead to further sanctions. It also stated that one centre would no longer be used for any of its examinations.
JAMB disclosed that a total of 2,243,816 candidates registered for the 2026 UTME, with Lagos recording 321,814 candidates, Kaduna 303,498, the Federal Capital Territory 302,963, and Ogun 137,156.
To improve accessibility and logistics, the Board said it increased the number of approved examination centres to 1,000 nationwide, up from fewer than 800 in 2025.
However, an internal review conducted after the mock exercise revealed that some centres failed to meet operational and technical benchmarks, prompting their removal from the approved list.
The delisting followed reports of widespread technical glitches during the mock examination, including network failures, system malfunctions and delayed commencement of tests in several locations. Some candidates and parents also complained about hours-long waiting periods at affected centres.
The affected centres are located in Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo and Plateau states.
Among the delisted centres are Micben Seat of Wisdom Academy, Ukwa West, Abia; Bishop Crowther Seminary CBT Centre, Awka, and The Oracle Lens, Nnokwa, Anambra; Derby’s Young ICT Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa; Avid ICT Solutions CBT Centre, Asaba, Delta; and Daniet Global Resources CBT Centre, Benin City, Edo.
Others include De-Lite CBT Centre, Maitama, Abuja; Florin High School CBT Centre, Ejigbo; Folbob CBT Centre, Lakowe; Great Kezino College CBT Centre, Ikorodu; Obans CBT Centre, Ikorodu; and Teesas Learning and CBT Centre, Lekki, all in Lagos.
Also affected are Braingate Model Schools CBT Centre, Arepo, and Greenhills Academy CBT Centre, Itele, Ogun State; Oduduwa University CBT Centre, Ile-Ife, Osun State; Lasting Glory Schools CBT Centre, Ibadan; Nesam International School CBT Centre, Ibadan; SAF Polytechnic CBT Centre, Iseyin, Oyo State; and Rabjib Computer Academy, Jos, Plateau State.
JAMB stated that the decision formed part of efforts to safeguard the integrity of its examination process and ensure that only centres that meet its operational requirements are used for the main UTME.
The Board assured candidates that necessary measures had been put in place to ensure a smooth conduct of the examination nationwide.
The Federal Polytechnic Ayede on Thursday matriculated no fewer than 705 students for the 2025/2026 academic session, with the management warning the newly admitted candidates against cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices capable of truncating their academic pursuits.
The Acting Rector of the institution, Dr. Azeez Olasunkanmi Ojo, disclosed this during the Polytechnic’s fourth matriculation ceremony held at its temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Oyo State.
Ojo described the ceremony as a historic milestone for both the institution and the new students, noting that the matriculation marked their formal admission into an academic community built on knowledge, innovation and character.
“It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you to this fourth matriculation ceremony. This event signifies your formal admission into a community committed to knowledge, innovation, character and excellence,” he said.
The acting rector urged the students to remain focused and take advantage of the opportunities available to them, stressing that discipline and dedication were critical to their success.
He added, “You must take your academic work seriously and uphold the values of learning, dexterity and sound moral conduct. Avoid cultism, examination malpractice and drug abuse, as these vices can jeopardise your future and cut short your dreams.”
Representing the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bugaje, the South-West Zonal Director, Elder Ayo Aroge, commended the management of the Polytechnic for its steady growth.
He charged the newly admitted students to embrace the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training initiative to acquire practical skills and become job creators.
“Technical and vocational education remains a viable pathway to self-reliance. I urge you to exploit this opportunity and equip yourselves with relevant skills that will make you employers of labour,” Aroge said.
Ojo also paid tribute to the pioneer Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, for laying what he described as a solid foundation for the institution’s growth and development.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government had approved a 20-kilometre road project to improve access to the Polytechnic’s permanent site in Ayede, Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area.
According to him, the road will run from Idi Araba Junction to the institution’s permanent site and extend to the Oolo community in Oriire Local Government Area, including internal access roads within the campus. The don lauded the federal government for what he described as timely intervention.
“Addressing access challenges will significantly enhance our relocation efforts and accelerate infrastructural and academic development,” he said.
The acting rector appealed to stakeholders, corporate organisations, alumni and philanthropists to partner with the institution to achieve sustainable growth.
He also appreciated parents and guardians for entrusting their wards to the Polytechnic, assuring them that the students would be groomed into responsible and productive members of society.
“Dear matriculating students, this is your beginning. Stay focused, work diligently and strive for excellence. The future is yours to shape,” he added.
Dignitaries at the event included the Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola; the Registrar, Mrs. Bukola Elizabeth Dairo; the Bursar, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abiola Afolabi, represented by Deputy Bursar, Mr. Lukman Buari; and Acting Polytechnic Librarian, Mr. Dare Samuel Adeleke, among other principal officers, staff and students.
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