Stakeholders in the education sector have raised serious concerns over the state of basic education in Oyo State, highlighting poor infrastructure, limited digital access, and declining community support as major barriers to quality learning.
The concerns were discussed during a hybrid media chat organised by the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Oyo State Chapter, in collaboration with Educare Trust, which brought together education practitioners, journalists, and civil society organizations from Oyo, Lagos, and Abuja.
The chat, which focused on “The Current State of Basic Education in Oyo State- Progress and Challenges,” decried the systemic challenges that the public educational system in Oyo State has experienced in the past few years.
Oyo CSACEFA noted that “private schools consistently perform better in national examinations over the past two to five years,” and attributed it largely to inadequate government investment in public education.
The group noted that many public schools, particularly in rural areas, reportedly lack basic infrastructure such as functional classrooms, adequate learning materials, and safe environments for students.
A major highlight of the discussion was the alarming lack of digital infrastructure as “only 2.1% of public schools in Oyo currently have access to computers and the internet,” raising concerns about the preparedness of students in an increasingly digital learning environment.
Speaking during the session, Alhaji Iskil Yussuf, Executive Director of the Child Development and Concern Foundation, emphasised the implications of this digital gap on students’ academic progression. “Students are expected to sit for JAMB through computer-based testing, yet many of them have never used a computer before,” he said
He further highlighted the impact on rural education, noting that the shortage of teachers in these areas worsens the situation. “Many teachers are unwilling to be posted to rural communities, and this leaves children in those areas without access to quality education” Yussuf added.
The issue of declining alumni support was also raised by the participants, with the stakeholders noting that many alumnis are becoming less willing to contribute to their schools. This they said, is partly due to poor accountability and incidents of vandalism, which discourage continued investment.
Despite these challenges, stakeholders emphasized that improving education requires a collective effort. “Governments have a critical role to play, but achieving quality education also requires collective effort. Communities, development partners, and international organizations must work together” Alhaji Yussuf stated.
Sanitation and hygiene were also identified as critical issues affecting students’ enrolment and retention.
Folorunsho Moshood, the Programme Director, Educare Trust and Coordinator, CSACEFA Care Taker Committee
explained that “due to inadequate number of usable classrooms, toilets and WASH facilities, the State needs to pay more attention to infrastructural development in Public Schools.
“Overall pupil-toilet ratio is not impressive across all 33 LGAs. 2.1% of Public Schools have computers and internet access thereby facilitating digital learning. From the foregoing, huge percentage of Schools still lack basic amenities, hindering effective teaching and learning processes.”
Stakeholders stressed that “public schools must prioritize proper toilet systems to ensure students health, dignity, and consistent attendance” noting that the absence of such facilities discourages many children from staying in school. The absence of these facilities requires them to return home to use the toilets, and in most cases, they end up not returning to classes.
The session concluded with a call for increased government commitment to infrastructure development, improved sanitation facilities, and urgent investment in digital learning tools. Participants also stressed the need to re-engage communities and ensure that every child, regardless of location, has access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive.