Public school pupils and students across Oyo State are set to benefit from improved learning environments as the state government continues the renovation of 36 public primary and secondary schools spread across the five geo-political zones of the state.

The intervention, being executed under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, targets ageing and dilapidated school infrastructure and forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen the foundation of public education delivery.

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Intervention, Oloye Suraj Abiodun Tiamy, the renovation programme was designed to respond to the most urgent needs of public schools while ensuring equitable distribution across local government areas.

“This intervention is not about renovating a few schools in selected locations. It is a deliberate effort to reach schools across the state and address the most pressing infrastructural challenges facing our public education system,” Tiamy said.

He explained that the selection of beneficiary schools followed a needs-based assessment, with emphasis on safety, functionality and learning conditions.

“We assessed the conditions of schools and prioritised those where learning was being affected by poor infrastructure. Our focus is to create safe, modern and conducive environments for both students and teachers,” he stated.

Tiamy added that the spread of the projects across Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa zones reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive development.

“Every zone matters to this administration. That is why you will find ongoing renovation works in urban centres, semi-urban communities and rural areas alike,” he said.

He also stressed that the initiative goes beyond physical structures, noting that improved infrastructure plays a critical role in learning outcomes.

“Quality education cannot thrive in unsafe or poorly maintained environments. When classrooms are functional and well-equipped, students are more motivated, teachers are more effective, and learning outcomes improve,” Tiamy said.

On project delivery, the Special Adviser said the government has maintained close supervision to ensure quality and value for money.

“We are not leaving these projects to chance. There is active monitoring and supervision to ensure that contractors meet specifications and that the work delivered truly serves the needs of the schools,” he added.

Schools currently benefiting from the renovation include Army Day Secondary School, Odogbo, Ojoo, and Community Secondary School, Sango-Ibon, in Akinyele Local Government Area; Iba High School and Adasobo Grammar School in Kisi, Irepo LGA; and Molete Community Grammar School in Ogbomoso South LGA.

In Ibadan, renovation works are ongoing at Ikolaba Grammar School, Ikolaba High School, Ikolaba Primary School, Methodist Grammar School, Community Grammar School, Mokola, Emmanuel College, Agbowo, as well as St. Paul Anglican Primary School, Apata; I.M.G. Primary School, Oke Bola; and Islamic Mission School, Bode.

Other beneficiary schools are spread across Lagelu, Egbeda, Ona Ara, Oluyole, Ido, Iseyin, Saki West, Atisbo, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibadan North West and Ogbomoso North local government areas.