Abduction: Oyo appeals to NUT to allow students go back to school

…approves ₦8.7bn for schools’ learning materials, raises 2026 budget from ₦892.085 billion to ₦1.102 trillion

The Oyo State Government has appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to allow students to return to school and stop the disruption of the academic calendar.

​Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information, made the appeal after the state executive council meeting. He said that while the reasons for the NUT withdrawing students from school are understandable, the social and economic consequences are raising unintended concerns. Oyelade reassured the public that the government is taking strategic steps to resolve the recent kidnapping in the Oriire Local Government Area.

​Funding approved for learning materials
​During the session, the council approved the release of ₦8,76 billion in the first instance for the procurement of teaching and learning materials for primary and junior secondary schools across the state. The total cost of the project is ₦23,012 billion.

​In collaboration with the World Bank and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Abuja, the state will buy textbooks in numeracy, literacy, mathematics, English language, and basic science.

​Oyelade said that upon the successful distribution of the textbooks, Oyo State becomes eligible for a reward-based disbursement of US$2 per student per subject, in line with the results-based financing arrangement of the project.

​Budget expanded to complete ongoing projects
​The commissioner also said the council approved the realignment and supplementary budget for 2026. To meet the aspirations of the administration and ensure that all ongoing projects across the state are completed, several ministries, departments, and agencies requested budget increments.

​Consequently, the council increased the 2026 budget from ₦892,085 billion to ₦1,102 trillion.

​Oyo backs continental free trade initiative
​The council was also briefed on the need to approve the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation programmes. These are being undertaken by the AfCFTA Secretariat in collaboration with the Oyo State AfCFTA Office.

​The Secretary-General of AfCFTA commended Governor Seyi Makinde for the progress recorded in implementing the initiative. The partnership has exposed Oyo State to trade and investment opportunities across Africa, particularly in industrialisation, agribusiness, and export-oriented enterprises.

​To strengthen this position, the council approved a payment of US$250,000 to the AfCFTA to give Oyo State a strong footing in attracting continental investment.

​Economic relief measures extended
​Following last year’s successful launch of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative, the council approved ₦5,000 billion for the 2026 work plan of its health insurance and food security components.

​Governor Seyi Makinde established SAfER in 2023 to cushion the economic impact of the federal government’s fuel subsidy removal. The programme has successfully reduced transport fares for workers, the elderly, and the vulnerable, while distributing food, establishing health insurance for pensioners, and supporting small-scale entrepreneurs. The council agreed that this assistance must continue as economic hardships persist.

​The council also congratulated Governor Seyi Makinde on the return of the Shooting Stars Football Club to the elite continental competition after 27 years. The governor said the government will ensure the Lekan Salami Stadium is ready to host the tournament.