By Akin Amos
In response to the worsening security concerns, the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has announced sweeping new safety measures affecting both public and private schools across the State.
This was contained in a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Bamidele Toyin Oyinloye, and addressed to the Executive Chairmen of TESCOM and SUBEB, Permanent Secretaries/IGES, Tutor-Generals, Zonal Directors, Local Inspectors of Education, Principals, and Head Teachers across Oyo State, all activities requiring students to leave school premises were suspended indefinitely in view of the recent security concerns.
According to the circular, “All School Administrators are hereby directed to suspend all excursions, field trips, sports competitions, and any other activities that require moving students outside school premises until further notice.”
The circular added that all prior approvals granted by the Ministry in those regards are overridden by this directive, while suspicious moves in and around the school premises are immediately reported to security agencies.
“School Administrators are equally enjoined to keep students within school premises during school hours and should report any suspicious activity around school premises to Law Enforcement Agencies within their jurisdiction,” the circular read in part.
“This directive takes immediate effect and will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves. Kindly ensure strict and necessary compliance with the content of this circular.”
The government’s action comes amid mounting anxiety among residents over the safety of students and teachers in Oyo State schools following the deadly Ogbomoso abduction incident.
