Education Crisis Deepens in Oyo State, Officials Warn
Oyo State education officials have raised urgent concerns about an escalating crisis in basic education, highlighting that despite recent government efforts and funding initiatives, a staggering number of children remain out of school, while inadequate infrastructure continues to hinder educational outcomes.
At a recent stakeholder meeting in Ibadan, organized by Educare Trust and the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Folorunsho Moshood, Program Director at Educare Trust, described a troubling paradox in the state: progress in educational access coexists with systemic failures that leave many children behind.
According to the 2022/2023 Annual School Census, Oyo State has one of the largest student populations in southwestern Nigeria, following Lagos, with more than two million students enrolled in public primary schools. However, officials caution that this student population does not translate into inclusive education, as the state has the highest number of out-of-school children in the region.
Mr. Moshood cited alarming statistics revealing that approximately 674,324 children, accounting for 20.1 percent of the population aged three to 17 in Oyo State, are currently not attending school. He called this situation “not merely a national concern but a national emergency,” attributing it to a range of structural issues including poverty, geographical barriers, hidden expenses, and inadequate governmental focus.
While he acknowledged that the government had reported the reintegration of 60,000 children back into classrooms, he stressed that this figure represents just a small fraction of the overall problem, stating, “We should not celebrate minor achievements while the scope of the crisis remains profound.”
Infrastructure and Learning Conditions Require Urgent Attention
Stakeholders have expressed serious concerns over the inadequate conditions in many public schools, which detrimental to effective learning and teaching. Moshood pointed to official findings indicating that significant improvements in infrastructure are needed. “The state has to prioritize the development of public school facilities. Many schools are lacking sufficient classrooms, sanitation facilities, and proper WASH amenities, all of which are critical for a conducive learning environment,” he noted.
Furthermore, he indicated that most schools are without functional libraries or adequate sports facilities, which are essential for holistic education. “If the environment for learning is subpar, educational success is unattainable. This is fundamentally a quality issue, not just one of access,” he added.
Despite improvements in teacher-student ratios, there are still significant challenges related to the uneven distribution of qualified teachers, particularly in rural communities. “Teachers who are qualified often hesitate to serve in underserved areas, leaving rural students at a distinct disadvantage,” Moshood observed. He also highlighted significant gaps in special education, mentioning that the few available special needs schools lack both specialized teachers and facilities.
Funding and Accountability Remain Critical Concerns
While acknowledging governmental efforts, including the allocation of over N3.5 billion in counter-funding to leverage Universal Basic Education Commission grants, stakeholders insisted that financial support must be tied to measurable outcomes. “Beyond the availability of funds, there must be transparency, efficiency, and tangible impact at the classroom level,” stressed Moshood.
The stakeholders voiced further apprehension regarding the delayed implementation of national initiatives aimed at addressing the issue of out-of-school children. Under the 2025 initiative by the Almajiri and National Commission on Out-of-School Child Education, Oyo State reportedly captured only 7,768 children during its data mapping exercise—merely 29 percent of the 27,000 target.
Moshood criticized the lack of progress towards the registration phase of this program, noting, “The second phase has yet to be initiated, leaving communities disheartened and eroding the fragile trust built within them. Our outreach personnel feel apprehensive about returning to these areas.” He warned that such setbacks could jeopardize future interventions and diminish public confidence in educational policies, urging for enhanced accountability mechanisms and ongoing community engagement.
Student Welfare and Support Systems Need Improvement
He reiterated the importance of bolstering the student welfare system, which includes increasing the number of career guidance counselors available in schools. Participants at the meeting pointed out that children who have experienced trauma or hardship often exhibit behavioral and performance challenges. Functional guidance counselors could play a crucial role in identifying and assisting vulnerable students before they drop out.
Lastly, all attendees urged both the Oyo State government and federal authorities to prioritize the educational crisis. “Ensuring that every child not just attends school but also receives a quality education is crucial for Nigeria’s future. Failing to address these issues will only exacerbate inequality and hinder the development of the nation’s human capital,” they concluded.
