Oyo public schools shut over students’ protest

GBENRO ADESINA/IBADAN

Students of secondary school in Oyo State trooped out en masse on Monday in demonstration against alleged plans by the Governor  Abiola Ajimobi-led government to privatise secondary education in the state.

The students who were in their respective school uniforms swooped on strategic locations in the state, including the government secretariat disrupting activities, chanting songs in defiance of security operatives.

During the protest, the students destroyed some vehicles and other property belonging to the state government as well as the office of the wife of the governor, Mrs. Florence, a private television station, Murhi International Television, MITV, signboards, billboards and every other insignia bearing the picture of the governor.

Apart from the alleged plans to privatise secondary education, the rampaging students also complained about non-payment of teachers’ and Oyo State workers’ salaries for the past six months.

They noted that their teachers have been ineffective for the past few months, recalling the death of some of them as a result of hunger and inability to meet up with their responsibilities.

In a swift reaction, the state government ordered the indefinite closure of all public primary and secondary schools calling on all parents to ensure that their children and wards stay off schools and the streets for their own safety.

The government expressed its sadness that the situation had degenerated to this point where students claiming to be in solidarity with their teachers would disrupting the peace and tranquility of the state.