Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that no fewer than 65,000 out-of-school children have been returned to classrooms across the state through targeted education interventions.
The governor made the disclosure on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the World Bank and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) on an implementation support mission for the Better Education Service Delivery for Additional Financing (BESDA-AF) programme. The meeting was held at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
Makinde noted that Oyo State has recorded measurable progress under the BESDA-AF initiative, particularly in expanding access to basic education and improving learning conditions in public schools. He explained that the intervention programme has played a key role in addressing the challenge of out-of-school children, strengthening institutional capacity, and enhancing the overall quality of education delivery in the state.
According to him, the reintegration of 65,000 children into the formal school system demonstrates the impact of collaborative efforts between the state government and its development partners. He added that beyond increasing enrollment figures, the administration is focused on ensuring that children remain in school and receive quality education that equips them for future opportunities.
The governor expressed appreciation to the World Bank and UBEC for providing both financial backing and technical support for the programme. He assured the delegation that his administration would continue to commit the necessary resources and institutional support to fully access and effectively utilize funds allocated to the state in the new funding cycle.
Makinde also urged the visiting team to provide objective feedback after conducting field assessments of project sites and beneficiary schools. He emphasized that constructive criticism and professional recommendations would be welcomed, as they would help the state government identify gaps and further strengthen implementation strategies.
Earlier in his remarks, UBEC team lead and National Programme Coordinator, Mayowa Aleshin, said the mission was aimed at evaluating the level of implementation of the BESDA-AF project in Oyo State, identifying challenges, and making recommendations for improved outcomes. He commended the state government for its commitment and the support provided toward the smooth execution of the intervention.
Similarly, the World Bank team lead, Shinsaku Nomura, praised the Makinde administration for prioritizing reforms in the education sector. He noted that sustained investment in basic education is critical to long-term socio-economic development and lauded the state’s efforts to improve access to quality education at all levels.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including members of the state executive council and key stakeholders in the education sector, reflecting the administration’s emphasis on collaborative governance and accountability in delivering educational reforms.
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