Our Investments On Education Already Yielding Results-Makinde
The governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that increased budgetary allocation to the education sector by his administration is yielding results.
He said the result of the decision of his administration to prioritise education has resulted in the state moving from 26th position to 11th position in 2021 examinations by the West African Examination Council (WAEC).
The governor said these while speaking through the state Head of Service, Alhaja Amidat Agboola, at the 2021 Public Service Forum, held in Ibadan, the state capital.
According to Makinde, the priority can be seen in education getting the highest chunk of the budget for a third financial cycle with the sector allocated the sum of N54.1billion, amounting to 18.37 per cent of the 2022 Budget.
The governor renewed his commitment to enhancing education, prompt payment of salaries and pensions and provision of infrastructure, among others.
Governor Makinde said: “According to Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, the roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
“This administration since inception has made education a priority as the sector has taken the highest share of the budget for the third consecutive year. This Sector was allocated the sum of N54.1b, amounting to 18.37 per cent of the year 2022 Budget.
“The allocation of 21 per cent of the year 2021 Budget has yielded result moving Oyo State from 26th position to 11th position in WAEC result. We believe that better results will come forth in the future as long we do not relent on our efforts.”
Speaking further, Makinde said, despite the economic situation of the country, his administration has been paying salaries and pensions on or before the 25th of every month.
He also noted that the payment of salaries, allowances and pensions has not stopped various infrastructural projects embarked upon by his administration.
Makinde assured that the administration will continue to judiciously utilise the resources of the state for the good of its people, adding: “I am glad to inform you that regular payment of salaries, allowance and pensions have not stopped various projects that we have embarked on.
“Recently, we inaugurated the construction of the Iseyin campus of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology with the release of a sum of Five Hundred Million (N500,000,000.00) as a take-off grant.
“We have also approved the construction of 76.7kilometres Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road for a sum N43.1billion. This we believe will aid the movement of staff and students between the two campuses of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.”