Oyo denies returning schools to original owners

Oyo State Government has denied a report that it is planning to return some schools to their original owners, whether to missionaries or individuals.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abdulrahman Abiodun Abduraheem, said there was no time the government took such decision.

He said that the only recent event where Governor Seyi Makinde spoke about ownership of schools was at Loyola College during the commissioning of a hall named after the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, where he only advised members of the old students association of the school to direct their request to the Ministry of Education.

“There is clearly no truth to the story making the rounds that the government of Oyo State was about to return schools to their original owners.

“The government does not have the such intention and there was nowhere Governor Seyi Makinde, made that statement.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the governor was confronted about a possible return of Loyola College, Ibadan, to the old students association and he urged the association to direct its request to the Ministry of Education for necessary engagement.

“He did not give any directive on the return of the school or any school, whatsoever.”

It also stated, “It is true that the state has developed a proof of agreement with the Incorporated Trustees of GCIOBA, but that does not in any way amount to a blanket return of all schools to their original owners.

“While the state will not shy away from productive partnership with stakeholders in the education sector to support its policy of free and qualitative education, it will not take any step capable of upsetting the cord of alliance already existing in a highly treasured sector like education.

“Let me use this opportunity to address some interests who appear bent on twisting the submission of the governor on this subject upside down to look for other things to do as it is clear they will not succeed in the inglorious path of attempting to whip up religious sentiments on this issue.”