Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, has raised a troubling alarm over the alarming number of out-of-school children in the state, describing the situation as a crisis that demands urgent and decisive action. Speaking on Monday, August 17, 2026, during the inauguration of his 25-member "Solutions Campaign Council" at his campaign office in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Adegoke expressed deep concern over a recent report indicating that Oyo State has the highest number of out-of-school children in Southwestern Nigeria. The report, which he cited, showed that approximately 674,324 children between the ages of 3 and 17 who are supposed to be in school are currently out of school.
Adegoke, who is vying for the governorship seat in the 2027 elections, did not mince words about the gravity of the situation. He decried the fact that such a massive number of children are being denied access to education despite the huge federal allocation the state is currently receiving. The ADC chieftain argued that the problem persists because resources are not being properly channelled to the grassroots, where they are needed most. He stressed that local government autonomy is a vital tool in grassroots human development and economic growth, and that without it, meaningful progress in education and other sectors would remain elusive.
At the inauguration ceremony, which marked a significant step in his campaign preparations, Adegoke unveiled his vision for the state, placing a strong emphasis on reviving Oyo's agricultural sector, attracting private investment in power generation, creating jobs for the youth, and, most importantly, granting full autonomy to local government councils. He noted that if given the opportunity to serve as governor, his administration would ensure that local governments have the independence and resources to deliver meaningful development at the grassroots level. Adegoke reiterated that his government would not only focus on education but would also boost agriculture and bring in investors to provide electricity for the people of the state, thereby creating employment opportunities for the youth.
The ADC candidate charged members of his newly inaugurated campaign council to take the party's message of solutions, accountability, inclusive development and grassroots empowerment to the people across the state's 33 local government areas. The campaign council, which is tasked with coordinating mobilisation, strategic engagement, media activities and grassroots outreach, comprises members cutting across all local governments in the state.
The issue of out-of-school children in Oyo State has been a recurring concern for stakeholders in the education sector. According to data from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) cited in the report, Oyo State has the highest number of out-of-school children in the South-West region. This figure stands in stark contrast to the state government's efforts to reintegrate children into the classroom. Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier announced that approximately 65,000 out-of-school children had been returned to classrooms through the Better Education Service Delivery for Additional Financing (BESDA-AF) programme. However, Adegoke's alarm suggests that the problem is far more extensive and requires a more radical and comprehensive approach.
Speaking at the event, Adegoke lamented that the current situation is unacceptable and that his administration would seek private-sector investment in the power sector, boost agricultural production, and create employment opportunities for young people across the state. He expressed confidence that with the right leadership, Oyo State could overcome its challenges and become a model of development in the South-West.
As the 2027 governorship election approaches, Adegoke's focus on education and grassroots empowerment is likely to resonate with many voters who are concerned about the future of their children and the state's development trajectory. However, the scale of the challenge he has identified underscores the urgent need for policies that not only address the symptoms but also tackle the root causes of the education crisis. For now, the ADC candidate has made his position clear: the number of out-of-school children in Oyo is a national disgrace, and he is prepared to confront it head-on.
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