In a stark contrast to Oyo State’s growing education budget, pupils of Balogun Oyelakin Community Primary School in Ibadan South East Local Government Area continue to learn in classrooms that are in dire need of repair. Despite the state’s N90.6 billion educational budget for 2024 and the projected increase for 2025, the school’s classrooms have leaking roofs, no windows, and lack essential facilities.
A report by MonITNG, a civic technology platform that provides citizens with information to track the progress of public projects and access public data, highlighted the deplorable conditions at the school. During the rainy season, the rooms flood, while in the dry season, unbearable heat makes it difficult for pupils to concentrate, causing frequent illness.
The walls of the school remain unplastered, leaving students exposed to the elements. The severe shortage of furniture exacerbates the learning conditions, making it even more difficult for students to focus and learn effectively. It is unconscionable that pupils are expected to thrive in such an environment, despite the state’s significant investment in education.
In 2023, Oyo State allocated ₦58.2 billion to education, representing 18.78% of its ₦310 billion budget. The allocation increased to ₦90.6 billion in 2024, accounting for 20.88% of the state’s ₦434.2 billion budget. The 2025 budget proposes further investment in education, though the exact figure has yet to be disclosed.
Furthermore, the World Bank granted ₦3.5 billion to the state in June 2024 under the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) initiative to renovate 105 public primary schools. However, Balogun Oyelakin Community Primary School has been overlooked, leaving its pupils to suffer in substandard conditions.
MonITNG has called on Governor Seyi Makinde and the Oyo State Government to immediately address the neglect and ensure that Balogun Oyelakin Community Primary School is included in renovation plans before the next academic term. It is imperative that the state government takes prompt action to provide a conducive learning environment for all pupils.
Every child in Oyo State deserves access to quality education, and it is the responsibility of the state government to ensure that all schools, including Balogun Oyelakin Community Primary School, have the necessary infrastructure and resources to provide a supportive learning environment.
The neglect of Balogun Oyelakin Community Primary School is a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability and transparency in the allocation and utilization of education funds in Oyo State. It is essential that the state government prioritizes the needs of all schools, regardless of their location or socio-economic status.
In conclusion, the situation at Balogun Oyelakin Community Primary School is a paradox that highlights the need for more effective management of education resources in Oyo State. The state government must take immediate action to address the neglect of this school and ensure that all pupils have access to a conducive learning environment.
