The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every school-age child has access to basic education, describing it as a fundamental right guaranteed by law.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, made this known on Thursday, 23 April 2026, while briefing the media in his office, urging the parents, guardians, community leaders, and market stakeholders to collaborate with the government.
Hon. Olayiwola explained that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has adopted an alternative approach to enforcing compliance with compulsory basic education.
He noted that instead of focusing solely on penalties for parents, the government is introducing flexible learning opportunities for children who are currently out of school.
The commissioner maintained that the state government will organise free evening classes for children engaged in menial jobs within major markets.
He said that the pilot phase of the programme will take place in Mokola/Sabo, Bodija, and Agbeni/Idi-kan markets.
According to him, the programme is scheduled to commence on Monday, April 27, 2026, while the classes will start at 4 pm and close at 6 pm daily.
The designated centres include: St. Brigid’s Primary School, Mokola (for children in the Sabo/Mokola axis)
St. Patrick’s Basic School, Idi-kan, Agbeni (for children in Idi-kan, Agbeni and surrounding areas)
Methodist Primary School, Bodija (for children in Bodija and environs)
He called on parents, guardians, and traders in these markets to support the initiative by allowing and encouraging affected children to attend the two-hour evening classes.
In her remarks, the Director of Basic Education, Mrs Susan Oladipo, revealed that members of the State Steering Committee on Almajiri and Out of School had conducted awareness and sensitisation visits to the three markets.
She noted that market leaders pledged their full support by helping to identify vulnerable children and encouraging their participation in the programme.