Thousands of pupils across 73 public primary schools in Ibadan North Local Government are set to receive new educational materials and school furniture, as part of the council’s renewed commitment to improving the learning environment and supporting basic education.
The Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Seun Olufade, made this known on Thursday during the official flag-off of the distribution exercise held at the council secretariat. He said the initiative, worth millions of naira, is designed to enhance pupils’ learning conditions and reduce the financial burden on parents.
According to Olufade, the materials include 800 desks and seats, 300 school bags, 200 pairs of sandals, and several packs of chalks and board markers. He emphasized that the intervention is aimed at fostering a conducive atmosphere for learning while motivating pupils to take their education seriously.
“This is part of our efforts to give back the dividends of democracy,” Olufade said. “Education remains the foundation of development, and we want our pupils to know that with dedication and hard work, there is nothing they cannot achieve. As a young leader myself, I believe supporting education is the best way to build the future.”
The local government boss commended Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for his continued support to local councils, noting that his administration’s education-friendly policies have made such interventions possible.
Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Nureni Adeniran, who attended the event, lauded Hon. Olufade’s initiative, describing it as a major contribution to the state government’s drive for quality education.
He noted that the intervention would go a long way toward addressing the “no-seat” challenge in public primary schools within the local government.
“With this arrangement, no school will get less than ten benches and desks,” Dr. Adeniran said. “This will ensure that pupils no longer sit on the floor during lessons, and it will significantly improve teaching and learning outcomes.”
He also praised the inclusion of bags, sandals, and writing materials, saying these would collectively enhance pupils’ classroom experience. Adeniran urged teachers to distribute the items transparently and ensure they are used for their intended purposes.
The SUBEB boss further encouraged teachers to adhere to the newly introduced timetable for reading and writing sessions in public primary schools, which he said was designed to strengthen pupils’ literacy skills from an early stage.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Education Intervention, Hon. Suraj Tiamy, commended the Ibadan North chairman for aligning with the governor’s vision of prioritizing education across the state.
“This is a progressive step that reflects the governor’s commitment to making education accessible and effective,” he said. “We are happy to see local governments complementing the state’s efforts by supporting pupils with learning materials and furniture. I urge parents to ensure their children attend school regularly and stay focused on their studies.”
The event drew applause from education stakeholders, teachers, and community leaders who described the gesture as timely and impactful, especially in tackling infrastructural deficits in public schools across Ibadan North Local Government.
