From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The spokesperson for Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Olawale Rasheed, has explained that the Wole Soyinka Government High School in Ejigbo was damaged by rainstorm, contrary to a report that the school was neglected by the government.
In a statement on Wednesday, Rasheed faulted the report of neglection by an online medium, saying that the report was “unfair and misleading narrative that fails to acknowledge the facts surrounding the school’s current condition.”
He said, “Although, the photos depict unfortunate damage, it is crucial to clarify that the deterioration is not due to abandonment by the current administration but the result of a natural disaster and prior substandard renovation work.
“Towards the end of former Governor Oyetola’s tenure, the school was indeed renovated by a contractor engaged by the previous administration. However, the work done fell below acceptable standards. This year, a severe rainstorm hit the area, damaging many structures including this school, damage that was worsened by the poor quality of earlier renovation.
“The current administration has made education a top priority. While this school was not captured in the immediate phase of the infrastructure upgrade plan recently announced, it has been noted for urgent attention in the next phase. The Governor remains fully committed to ensuring every child in Osun learns in a safe and conducive environment.
“It is also important to state that the state government is not owing the contractor who handled the last renovation. Accountability is being enforced, and such negligence will not be tolerated. Moving forward, quality control and due diligence will guide every renovation project.
“Governor Adeleke’s administration is focused on real progress, and multiple schools across the state are currently undergoing transformation under his watch. It is misleading and disingenuous to ignore the broader strides being made in public education due to isolated incidents.
“We urge the media to verify facts and appreciate context before publishing damaging reports. The people of Osun deserves balanced reporting that reflects the efforts being made to rebuild and uplift the state.
“The Adeleke administration remains steadfast in its mission to restore dignity to education across Osun State and no false narrative will derail that commitment,” Rasheed said.