Professor Olusegun Ajiboye, the Registrar of the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), has called for private sector support to help improve the state of education infrastructure in Oyo State. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, Ajiboye emphasized that the education sector requires significant investment, which cannot be managed by the government alone. He stressed that private sector involvement is essential for maintaining recent gains and advancing the education system in the state.
Ajiboye pointed out that the need for improved education facilities is critical to meet the standards expected in the 21st century. He noted that schools in Oyo State require additional funding to upgrade their infrastructure, making it suitable for modern educational demands. Ajiboye added that teacher training and retraining are also necessary to build on existing achievements. He highlighted that motivation and better welfare for teachers would support their ongoing development and improve the quality of education.
While praising Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s efforts in the education sector, Ajiboye mentioned that high school fees in the past had negatively affected enrollment, leading to a significant number of out-of-school children across the state. However, he noted that the current administration has reversed this trend by removing fees for primary and secondary school students, which has led to an increase in school attendance and a reduction in dropout rates.
Ajiboye expressed appreciation for the state government’s provision of grants to schools, stating that this has reduced the financial strain on educational institutions. According to him, both staff and students in Oyo’s tertiary institutions have benefited under the current administration, with salaries being paid promptly, often around the 25th of each month. He emphasized that this stability has contributed to growth and development within the sector, with school closures now a thing of the past.
He also commended the administration’s commitment to recruiting teachers and support staff to improve the workforce in state schools. Ajiboye believes that if these initiatives continue, Oyo State’s education system could serve as a model for other states in Nigeria to follow.
