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Residents Say They’ve Reported To Ona-Ara LG Chairman, But ‘Chased Away’
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By Daily News NG
The rot in the education sector of Oyo State has once again come under the spotlight, as a disturbing case of neglect unfolds in Aba Eku Community, Adeyalo, Amuloko area. Despite recent efforts by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, most especially in the recruitment of new teachers to strengthen manpower, infrastructural gaps continue to undermine the education system.
Daily News NG can exclusively report that Adeyalo Adesina Community Secondary School, approved by the Oyo State Government in 2024, has no official and functional structure in place, nearly a year after its establishment. The community’s drive for a functional secondary school still remains unrealized, with the government failing to construct a single classroom block since the school’s inception.
In a commendable show of determination, residents of the community have been mobilising resources to begin construction of a school building. From the picture taken, they’ve tried in their capacity. However, the project has probably stalled due to lack of resources, government support and what members of the community described as the “discouraging” attitude of Ona-Ara Local government.
The Stake of Ona-Ara Local Government Chairman, Dr. Temitope Glorious
According to a resident who spoke to Daily News NG anonymously, a delegation from the community had visited the Ona-Ara Local Government Chairman, Dr. Temitope Glorious, to seek support for the school project. Unfortunately, the visit ended in disappointment.
“It was disheartening,” the source revealed, adding that “the reception was cold and dismissive. It was as if we were being chased away.”
EXCLUSIVE: Inside Oyo School Where Principal Uses Kitchen As Office • Students Share 3-Bedroom Flat, Staff Members Under Sun
Most of the residents have alleged that Dr. Glorious, who is a known stakeholder in the private education sector, may be undermining the community secondary school project for reasons best known to him.
“If you check our community primary school, you’ll see enrollment has been rising, thanks to the new secondary school. And private schools are beginning to lose some patronage. Maybe that’s why we were coldly received,” a resident lamented.
Academic Activities Ongoing in Donated Apartment
Despite the lack of infrastructure, academic activities are ongoing at Adeyalo Adesina Community Secondary School. Daily News NG traced the school’s temporary location to a 3-bedroom apartment donated by one of the community members to rescue the situation for their children.
In this apartment, as validated by a community member, the principal, a supposed Level 16-17 Officer, uses the kitchen as an office. Eighteen (18) teaching staff and seven (7) non-teaching staff squeeze themselves into the parlour, which serves as the staff room, while over sixty (60) students use the remaining rooms for learning activities.
Unconducive Learning Conditions
The current state of the school reveals a bad learning environment, as our correspondent observed several teachers sitting outside the building, under the scorching sun, waiting for their turn to teach due to overcrowding inside.
Despite these difficult conditions, both teachers and students remain committed. Community members say teachers have maintained their regular duties.
“This is not an environment fit for learning,” said one parent. “But our teachers are doing their best. We just pray the government intervenes quickly.”
Access Denied to Daily News NG Correspondent
When our correspondent attempted to access the premises, the school watchman denied entry, labeling him an “unauthorised guest.” However, photos taken from outside the building show the dire strait of the facility and the passionate commitment of teachers and students alike.
This situation presents a clear example of community resilience in the face of government neglect. But passion alone cannot build classrooms or provide basic learning amenities. It is time for the Oyo State Government and Ona-Ara Local Government to match community efforts with action towards the completion of the school building.
