The Oyo state government in collaboration with Global Partnership for Education (GPE), a World Bank-assisted programme has disbursed grants for the renovation of 58 public schools in the state. This was revealed by the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu during a meeting with stakeholders in Ibadan on Monday.
The stakeholders in attendance include Chairmen of School-Based Management Committees, SBMCs, and head teachers among others.
During the meeting, Prof. Adelabu revealed that some of the selected public schools will receive facelift, through rehabilitation.
He called on the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) and headteachers responsible for the project delivery in various local governments, to be accountable and transparent in utilising the funds.
He said, “As part of the approved workplace for the project some schools were selected for infrastructural development exercise, such as renovation of classrooms, with potable water, furniture, toilet facilities and solar system”, he hinted.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Adeniran hinted that the cost of the schools selected for rehabilitation under the same programme would be determined upon inspection of the deplorable nature of the benefiting schools.
He underscored the importance of education as a priority area of the present administration.
He said the project was significant with the agenda of the state government in developing a road map in its educational sector.
“The BESDA, Additional Fund Transforming Education Sector At State level is a global Partnership in Education sponsored program for states with special considerations that performed well in the first phase of BESDA”, Adeniran said.
Speaking further, he said: “This underscores the fact that education is a priority for the Oyo state government, under Engr. Seyi Makinde. The rehabilitation of schools would create a conducive learning environment for our children.”
The Special Adviser on Education Intervention, Oloye Tiamiyu Abiodun, said the grant was meant to turn around the infrastructure of schools in the state, adding that the project will enhance the capacity of education in the state, hence the need to involve SBMCs.
He added that the selection of beneficiary schools was objective and devoid of bias or political interference.
The Special Adviser stated that the project was a collective delivery by each community, and meeting the criteria and benchmark set by the World Bank would determine the next phase of the project.
He said the GPE was providing support to three focus states of Oyo, Adamawa, and Kastina to address issues of access and learning outcomes.
“We are about to witness transformation in schools’ infrastructure that are under-served or hard to reach either for construction or renovation with basic amenities. This is to make learning conducive for learners, increase enrollment, and ultimately reduce the menace of out-of-school children,” he said.
The SBMC Chairman, Community Basic School, Idi Ose, Igana, Mr. John Omolewu who spoke on behalf of the benefiting schools, promised quality and transparent execution of the job at the end of the project.