Osun deputy governor blames past administration’s school merger policy for current educational challenges

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

The Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, has attributed the persistent challenges facing secondary schools in the state to the school-merger policies implemented by the previous administration.

Adewusi made this statement on Tuesday while laying the foundation stone for a ₦50 million perimeter fence at African Church Secondary Grammar School in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area, a project sponsored by the school’s old students’ association.

He assured the school community that the state government would address the shortage of teachers and resolve other issues raised by the school’s principal.

“I have noted everything the principal mentioned about the school. You noted that there are not enough teachers, and we have taken note of that. I have also seen the leaking roof, which shows that government presence has been lacking.

“If we were to talk about everything, it would seem as though we are playing politics. What actually happened is that when the past government moved students to ‘mega schools’ and abandoned these older buildings, particularly the mixing of boys and girls, it severely impacted the quality of education. I know that God will help us rectify it,” Adewusi said.

The Deputy Governor further appreciated the support of the alumni and teachers during the August 15 governorship election, thanking them for voting for Governor Ademola Adeleke to enable him to complete his eight-year tenure.

The President of the Old Students’ Association, Pastor Aderemi Ojedapo, explained that the decision to construct the perimeter fence was aimed at curbing encroachment onto the school grounds.

“One of the major problems facing this school is encroachment from neighbouring plots. The old students, both at home and in the diaspora, concluded that we should prioritise fencing as a matter of urgency to guarantee security,” Ojedapo stated.

He said, “We have estimated and raised 50 million naira for this fencing project.”

Regarding the shortage of teachers, he noted that the alumni had been stepping in to support the school in their own little way, while hoping the government would provide a lasting solution.