Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that no fewer than 65,000 out-of-school children have been reintegrated into classrooms across Oyo State, marking a major boost for the education sector.
Makinde made the disclosure while receiving a delegation of the BESDA-AF Implementation Support Mission from the World Bank and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) at the Executive Council Chamber, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The governor said Oyo State has significantly benefitted from the Better Education Service Delivery for Additional Financing (BESDA-AF) programme, noting that the intervention has strengthened access to basic education and improved learning outcomes.
He commended the World Bank and UBEC for their structural and financial backing, assuring that his administration would continue to commit resources to maximise the benefits of the new funding cycle.
“The government and the people of Oyo State thank the World Bank and UBEC for counting Oyo State worthy to be part of this programme,” Makinde said.
He urged the visiting team to provide constructive feedback after their field inspections, pledging that the state would act promptly on recommendations aimed at further improving the education system.
Earlier, the UBEC team lead and National Programme Coordinator, Mayowa Aleshin, said the delegation was in the state to assess project implementation, identify challenges and make recommendations for improvement. He praised the state government’s support for the programme.
Also speaking, the World Bank team lead, Shinsaku Nomura, commended Makinde’s reforms in the education sector and efforts to expand access to quality learning at all levels.
Top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, and Commissioner for Education, Segun Olayiwola, were among those present at the meeting.
Makinde: 65,000 Oyo Out-of-School Children Return to Classrooms
