Governor Seyi Makinde reveals 65,000 out-of-school children have returned to classrooms in Oyo State through the BESDA-AF programme supported by World Bank and UBEC

Governor Seyi Makinde has disclosed that over 65,000 out-of-school children have returned to classrooms in Oyo State.

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Makinde made this announcement while receiving a delegation from the Better Education Service Delivery for Additional Financing (BESDA-AF) implementation support mission of the World Bank and the Universal Basic Education Commission at the Executive Council Chamber, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

The governor stated that the BESDA-AF programme has significantly strengthened the state’s education sector and expressed appreciation for the structural and financial support provided.

He assured that his administration would fully utilise funds allocated to Oyo State in the new funding cycle.

Makinde said, “The government and the people of Oyo State thank the World Bank and the Universal Basic Education Commission for considering Oyo State worthy to be part of this programme. We will take feedback seriously to ensure continuous improvement.”

Mayowa Aleshin, team lead for UBEC, explained that the team would evaluate the BESDA-AF implementation, identify challenges, and make recommendations for improvements.

Meanwhile, Shinsaku Nomura lauded Governor Makinde’s efforts in reforming education and increasing access to quality learning at all levels.

The event was attended by key state officials, including Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Secretary to the State Government Prof Musibau Babatunde, Chief of Staff Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, and Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola.

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The governor’s announcement underscores Oyo State’s commitment to ensuring all children have access to quality education through strategic interventions like BESDA-AF.