Oyo’s Education Crisis: ₦90 Billion Budget Fails to Fix Roofless Classrooms

Ibadan, Oyo State – Despite Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration allocating a record ₦90.6 billion to education in 2024—a 56% increase from 2023’s ₦58 billion—public primary schools across the state remain in shocking disrepair, with pupils studying in roofless classrooms and sitting on bare floors.

A Broken System in Plain Sight

At St. Stephen Primary School in Aresa Community, South West LGA, pupils endure lessons under the scorching sun after a windstorm destroyed the school’s roof months ago. Civic group Monitng, which documented the conditions, described the scene as “appalling,” with children crammed into unsafe, dilapidated structures.

• No Desks, No Roofs: Multiple schools lack basic infrastructure, forcing pupils to sit on concrete floors.
• Overcrowding: Classrooms meant for 30 students now hold 70 or more.
• Budget Discrepancy: Despite the ₦148.6 billion combined education budgets for 2023-2024, many schools report zero government intervention.

Where Is the Money Going?

Monitng’s findings have sparked public outrage, with citizens demanding transparency:
“If ₦90 billion was budgeted this year alone, why are schools still collapsing?” asked education activist Tunde Owolabi.

• 2023 Allocation: ₦58 billion (13% of state budget)
• 2024 Allocation: ₦90.6 billion (18% of budget)
• Alleged Misuse: Critics accuse the government of prioritizing cosmetic projects over grassroots education needs.

The state government has yet to provide a detailed breakdown of education expenditure, though officials insist funds are being “strategically deployed.”

Government Response & Public Backlash

Commissioner for Education Abdulrahman Abiodun acknowledged “challenges” but claimed the administration is “phasing rehabilitation efforts.” However, parents and teachers say promises remain unfulfilled.

“They repainted a few schools in Ibadan for optics, but rural areas are forgotten,” said a teacher at St. Stephen, who requested anonymity.

The #FixOyoSchools campaign is gaining momentum, with protests planned if immediate action isn’t taken. Analysts warn that failing infrastructure could worsen the state’s 26% out-of-school child rate—already one of Nigeria’s highest.

Broader Implications

This crisis reflects a nationwide trend:

• Lagos: ₦180 billion education budget in 2024, yet overcrowding persists.
• Kano: Despite ₦95 billion allocated, 55% of primary schools lack desks.

Experts urge forensic audits of education spending. “Budgets mean nothing if funds vanish before reaching classrooms,” said Dr. Felicia Ojo of the Education Rights Campaign.