65,000 out-of-school children back to classrooms in Oyo State – Makinde

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has disclosed that about 65,000 out-of-school children have returned to classrooms in the state.

The governor stated this while receiving on a courtesy visit, the delegation on the BESDA-AF implementation support mission of the World Bank/Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) at the Executive Council Chamber, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

The governor noted that Oyo State has benefitted from the Better Education Service Delivery for Additional Financing (BESDA-AF) intervention programme, adding that it has enhanced and improved the education sector in the state.

While thanking the World Bank and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for providing the structural and funding support, Makinde assured that his administration would put in the necessary efforts and resources to access the funds allocated to the state in the new cycle.

He said: “The government and the people of Oyo State thank the World Bank and also the Universal Basic Education Commission for counting Oyo State worthy to be part of this programme.

“I know you will be making some field visits tomorrow. And from what you will see when you get to the field, we want to have your feedback. If we have areas that we need to improve, things that we may not be considering but which you think carrying them out may lead to serious improvements, we would like to know. We will take the feedback seriously.”

Earlier in his remarks, Mayowa Aleshin, the team lead for the Universal Basic Education Commission, who is also the National Programme Coordinator, said the team would evaluate the implementation of the BESDA-AF project, the challenges and review for further recommendations.

He appreciated the immense and massive support of the state government in the implementation of the intervention programme.

Also, Shinsaku Nomura, the team lead for the World Bank, lauded Governor Makinde’s efforts in reforming the education sector and for providing access to quality education at all levels.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the health and education sectors as the Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan, matriculated One hundred and Ninety-eight students for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Speaking at the Third Matriculation Ceremony of the college, Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi, medical doctor and the Commissioner for Health, congratulated the students on their successful admission, describing nursing as “a vocation of compassion, sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering commitment to humanity.”

Waheed Lanre-Abass who, represented the commissioner, said the present administration remained deliberate in repositioning Oyo State as a leader in healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

“No health system can function effectively without well-trained, competent, and motivated healthcare professionals,” she stated.

She added that the matriculating students are beneficiaries of far-reaching reforms introduced by the present administration.

According to her, the improved facilities and accreditation status of the College are direct outcomes of government’s investment in health infrastructure and human capital development.

Also speaking, Segun Olayiwola, commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, commended the management of the College for successfully completing admissions for the session and sustaining its reputation for excellence in nursing education.

Represented by Raheem Olatubosun, the commissioner described the College as a pride of the Oyo State Government, noting that it has consistently produced professionals whose impact is felt both nationally and globally.

“Nurses are the backbone of healthcare. Your profession is about compassion, care, and dedication to humanity. Be diligent, focused, and of good conduct. The journey will be challenging, but the rewards outweigh the hindrances”, he said.

Earlier in her welcome address, Gbonjubola Owolabi, provost of the College, described the matriculation ceremony as the formal beginning of the students’ professional journey into one of the noblest professions in the world.

“Nursing is more than a career; it is a calling. From this day forward, you are not just students; you are nurses in training. Society will place lives in your hands, and that trust must never be taken lightly”, she said.

Owolabi outlined the College’s robust curriculum, which combines theoretical knowledge in courses such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, community health, medical-surgical nursing, and maternal and child health with practical clinical postings in hospitals and communities.

“The nursing profession does not tolerate mediocrity,” the Provost warned.

She cautioned against misconduct, including examination malpractice, absenteeism, and falsification of records, and encouraged the students to guard their character and reputation from the onset of their training.

The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Bayo Lawal; Chairman of all Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Sikiru Sanda; Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Nureni Adeniran; Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Intervention, Suraj Abiodun Tiamy, and other top government functionaries.