Oyo legislators demand increased security at public schools in the face of unrest

The legislature also stated that immediate action is needed to strengthen security surrounding the state's public elementary and secondary institutions.

The executive branch of the state government in Oyo State has been advised to look into enhancing school security as soon as possible by the House of Assembly.

In light of the numerous reports of attacks and insecurity in various parts of the nation, it demanded that the government and all parties involved in education take aggressive measures.

During plenary, Hon. Dawood Olalere (PDP/Ibadan North West) expressed his concerns about reports of kidnapping, rape, vandalism, and theft of government property due to the state's public schools operating without effective security for a long time. The discussion was around a motion he had presented before the House.

"By ensuring safety and securing access to education, these measures will increase parents' and guardians' trust in sending their wards to public schools.

The House recognizes the significance of defending public schools from acts of insurrection such as theft, destruction, rape, and kidnapping.

In order to achieve this, we implore the executive branch of government to implement steps to strengthen security in public schools in order to support the state's goal of providing safe and secure access to education."

In his contribution, Hon. Gabriel Babajide (PDP/Ibadan North I) noted that a lot of schools were in poor shape.

"There is a need to raise stakeholder awareness about making public schools safer and more welcoming through the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology."

In their own contributions, other legislators stated that the motion was both timely and advantageous for prompt action to protect the state's public schools.

Shortly after, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola (PDP/Atiba) informed reporters that the motion was anticipated to get prompt consideration by the state government via the Ministries of concern for prompt action.

"There is more to the problem of insecurity than what we are talking about in this sacred space.

It is commendable that a member of the House has introduced a motion to raise awareness of the necessity of having sufficient protection surrounding our schools.

"Maintaining furniture, roofs, and facilities is important, but what I want to emphasize most is that without students, there can be no school," Oyekola continued.