Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has announced plans for a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s education infrastructure in 2025, emphasising the government’s ongoing efforts to allocate resources effectively for the sector.
Speaking during a media chat on Saturday, aired by the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) and other radio stations across the state, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming education.
While acknowledging progress, he stressed the need to intensify efforts to enhance the critical sector.
Governor Makinde also addressed the tragic loss of 35 children in a stampede in Ibadan on Tuesday, describing the incident as a monumental tragedy.
He called for a minute of silence to honor the victims and reflected on the avoidable nature of the tragedy, along with the Bodija explosion of January 2024, which he said could have been prevented with proper actions.
On allegations that suspects arrested in connection with the Bodija explosion had been freed, the governor clarified that their case remains before the appropriate authorities and assured that the legal process is ongoing, even if slow.
Highlighting his administration’s prioritization of education, Makinde noted that Oyo state consistently exceeds UNESCO’s recommended benchmark for budgetary allocation to education.
He reiterated that despite substantial investments, much more needs to be done, recalling his earlier statement that nearly N60 billion would be required to fully address the sector’s needs.
He said: “We are trying to rearrange our resources to do more for the education sector. It is not for fun that since I came in, we have exceeded the UNESCO recommended figure.
“For tertiary institution, I can say we are doing well and I am satisfied.”
Makinde also reiterated his administration’s commitment to economic expansion, emphasising the need to take decisive actions to break the cycle of poverty, even when such decisions may initially seem harsh to residents.
He assured residents that his government remains focused on initiatives that serve their best interests while addressing long standing economic challenges.
Makinde highlighted steps taken by his administration to overcome limitations faced by previous governments, including the development of housing estates and the planned corridor on the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road.
He explained that these initiatives are designed to stimulate the state’s economy and deliver long-term benefits to the people.
The governor urged residents to trust in the administration’s vision, noting that breaking poverty cycles requires bold and sometimes unpopular decisions aimed at ensuring sustainable growth for Oyo state.
Governor Makinde also used the occasion of the media chat to clarify his position on the controversial Tax Reform Bill by the Federal Government, noting that he was not opposed to the tax reforms, but that the Federal Government needed to engage with a wider array of stakeholders to achieve a meaningful reform.
The governor, who was part of those who briefed the media on the position of the National Economic Council on the bill, following which he was criticised by a section of the public for opposing the tax reform bill, said Nigerians should learn to focus on the message rather than the messenger.
