Debate Intensifies Over Alleged Neglect of Education Sector in Osun State
The Osun State Government has attributed the significant number of out-of-school children in the state to the neglect of the education sector during the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. In response, the government plans to recruit 6,000 teachers for public primary and secondary schools by June 2024.
Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, released a statement on Sunday outlining the state government’s commitment to addressing the education sector’s challenges. He stated that the recruitment drive is part of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s three-pronged approach to improving the education sector in Osun State.
Former Governor Oyetola had alleged that the high number of out-of-school children resulted from the dismissal of teachers recruited during his tenure. He had recruited teachers and health workers in the final days of his administration. However, upon assuming office in November 2022, Governor Adeleke issued an Executive Order dismissing 1,500 teachers and health workers recruited by the previous administration.
Alimi countered Oyetola’s claims, stating that the former governor’s allegations were an insult to the people of Osun State. He argued that the education sector had suffered neglect under the previous administration, citing the recruitment of over 10,000 workers after the election as a hindrance to the incoming government’s efforts to govern effectively.
The state government emphasized its commitment to addressing the education sector’s challenges by organizing an education summit and approving a white paper for the summit’s recommendations’ implementation. Alimi highlighted the administration’s focus on teachers’ welfare, learning environment, and learning materials as key areas for improvement.
The controversy surrounding the allegations of neglect in Osun State’s education sector continues to generate discussion, with stakeholders expressing differing views on the effectiveness of the government’s strategies to address the challenges.
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