The Oyo State Government has declared that, contrary to some “false and reckless assertion,” the free education policy of the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde administration is still on course.
Debunking false assertion on Makinde’s free education policy
It stated this in reaction to the assertion reportedly made by one Mufutau Gbadegesin, who claimed that school principals are collecting money from parents “for documentation of newly-admitted JSS1 students” and “for collection of JSS3 BECE results.”
He was reported to have, by the assertion, declared that the free education policy of the incumbent governor has ended.
The media aide to the governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, stated in a release, on Saturday, that the narrative was factually-incorrect and “a deliberate distortion of one of the most transformative and widely celebrated policies in Oyo State.
“It ignores the reality on the ground, the documented achievements of the administration, and the undeniable progress that has brought hope to thousands of families across the state.”
The government added that, for the avoidance of doubt, free education in Oyo State, under the present administration, remained fully operational.
“Since 2019, Governor Makinde has maintained an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child in the state has access to free and qualitative education.
“No public school is authorised to collect tuition or compulsory levies from students, and any principal found doing so is acting outside government policy and will face disciplinary action.
“Gbadegesin’s attempt to generalise isolated incidents -if they happened at all – into a sweeping conclusion is intellectually dishonest.
“His claim ignores official directives, enforcement actions, and the substantial investments that continue to strengthen the free education policy.
“It also disregards the lived reality of millions of Oyo families whose children attend school every day without paying fees.
“One of the clearest indicators that the free education policy is thriving is the fact that no fewer than 75,000 out‑of‑school children have returned to classrooms across Oyo State since the policy was introduced.
“This achievement is directly linked to removing financial barriers, expanding access, and restoring confidence in public education.
“A policy responsible for bringing tens of thousands of children back to school cannot, by any stretch of logic, be described as ‘ended’.”
It was further stated that, beyond enrolment gains, the progress of Oyo State in education has been recognised nationally.
“Last year, the state was rated the most liveable in Nigeria, and quality education was one of the major indicators used in that assessment.
“This independent validation further confirms that the Makinde administration’s education reforms are not only working but setting a benchmark for other states.
“Under Governor Makinde, the free education policy has been reinforced through running grants to schools, provision of textbooks and learning materials, recruitment of thousands of qualified teachers, and significant upgrades to school infrastructure through OYOSUBEB and the Ministry of Education.
“These interventions demonstrate a government that is deepening its commitment to free education, not abandoning it.
“The policy continues to enjoy overwhelming support from parents, teachers, and community leaders who have witnessed firsthand its impact on school enrolment and learning outcomes.
“Gbadegesin’s jaundiced view is, therefore, not a factual assessment of the state’s education system but a politically motivated narrative disguised as commentary.
“It does a disservice to the hardworking teachers, administrators, and families who continue to benefit from the policy daily,” it was added in the release.
The government stated that in spite of attempts to twist the facts, the truth remains clear:
“Governor Seyi Makinde’s free education policy is not only intact but delivering results on a scale Oyo State has never witnessed.
“The administration will continue to defend every child’s right to learn without financial barriers, enforce strict sanctions against unauthorised levies, and deepen the reforms that have already brought over 75,000 out‑of‑school children back into classrooms.
“No amount of political spin can erase these achievements. The Government of Oyo State stands firm, resolute, and fully committed to protecting the integrity of its free education policy, and no political distortionist masquerading as a columnist can change that reality,” it was added in the release.
