By, Olawale Ogunbusola

 

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, said on Wednesday that about 65,000 out-of-school children have returned to classrooms in the state.

The governor stated this while receiving, on a courtesy visit, the delegation on the BESDA-AF implementation support mission of the World Bank/ Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) at the Executive Council Chamber, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

The Governor noted that Oyo State has benefitted from the Better Education Service Delivery for Additional Financing (BESDA-AF) intervention programme, adding that it has enhanced and improved the education sector in the state.

While thanking the World Bank and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for providing the structural and funding support, Makinde assured that his administration would put in the necessary efforts and resources to access the funds allocated to the state in the new cycle.

He said: “The government and the people of Oyo State thank the World Bank and also the Universal Basic Education Commission for counting Oyo State worthy to be part of this programme.

“I know you will be making some field visits tomorrow. And from what you will see when you get to the field, we want to have your feedback. If we have areas that we need to improve, things that we may not be considering but which you think carrying them out may lead to serious improvements, we would like to know. We will take the feedback seriously.”

Earlier in his remarks, the team lead for the Universal Basic Education Commission, who is also the National Programme Coordinator, Mr Mayowa Aleshin, said the team would evaluate the implementation of the BESDA-AF project, the challenges and review for further recommendations.

He appreciated the immense and massive support of the state government in the implementation of the intervention programme.

Also the team lead for the World Bank, Mr Shinsaku Nomura, lauded Governor Makinde’s efforts in reforming the education sector and for providing access to quality education at all levels.

The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni mni; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Chairman of all Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda; Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Nureni Adeniran; Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Intervention, Hon. Suraj Abiodun Tiamy; and other top government functionaries.