The Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, has said that about 65,000 out-of-school children have returned to classrooms in the state.
He disclosed this while receiving the delegation of the BESDA-AF implementation support mission of the World Bank/ Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) on courtesy call at the Executive Council Chamber, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
According to him, the state has benefitted from the Better Education Service Delivery for Additional Financing (BESDA-AF) intervention programme, adding that it has enhanced and improved the education sector in the state.
Thanking the World Bank and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for providing the structural and funding support, Makinde assured that his administration would put in the necessary efforts and resources to access the funds allocated to the state in the new cycle.
He said: “The government and the people of Oyo State thank the World Bank and also the Universal Basic Education Commission for counting Oyo State worthy to be part of this programme.
“I know you will be making some field visits on Thursday. And from what you will see when you get to the field, we want to have your feedback. If we have areas that we need to improve, things that we may not be considering but which you think carrying them out may lead to serious improvements, we would like to know. We will take the feedback seriously.”
In his remarks, the team lead for the Universal Basic Education Commission, who is also the National Programme Coordinator, Mr Mayowa Aleshin, said the team would evaluate the implementation of the BESDA-AF project, the challenges and review for further recommendations.
He appreciated the massive support of the state government in the implementation of the intervention programme.
Also, the team lead for the World Bank, Mr Shinsaku Nomura, lauded Governor Makinde’s efforts in reforming the education sector and for providing access to quality education at all levels.
