The Oyo State Government has renewed its efforts to decrease the number of out-of-school children, according to Professor Salihu Adelabu, Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology. Speaking in an interview, Adelabu emphasized that while the state successfully returned 20% of out-of-school children to classrooms during Governor Seyi Makinde’s first term, ongoing migration from other regions complicates the issue.

Adelabu explained that many migrant children, found engaging in street hawking, are difficult to trace to guardians, making reintegration into schools challenging. However, local children have responded more positively to the state’s efforts to bring them back to school.

Despite skepticism from some parents and children about education, the government is pushing forward with investments in educational infrastructure. Adelabu revealed plans to recruit 7,000 teachers and several caregivers for basic education, along with 7,500 teachers and 3,000 non-teaching staff for secondary schools. He praised Governor Makinde’s administration for its dedication to improving education in the state.