The Oyo State Government has urged the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to allow students to return to school, warning that prolonged closure is triggering unintended social and economic consequences. Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade made the appeal after a state executive council meeting, acknowledging the union's concerns but stressing the need to protect the academic calendar. He said the government is taking strategic steps to address the recent kidnapping in Oriire Local Government Area.
The council approved ₦8.76 billion for the procurement of teaching and learning materials for primary and junior secondary schools, part of a ₦23.012 billion project. In partnership with the World Bank and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the state will distribute textbooks in numeracy, literacy, mathematics, English language, and basic science. Once distribution is completed, Oyo State will qualify for a reward-based disbursement of US$2 per student per subject under a results-based financing arrangement.
The 2026 budget was increased from ₦892.085 billion to ₦1.102 trillion to accommodate requests from ministries, departments, and agencies for additional funding to complete ongoing projects. The council also approved a payment of US$250,000 to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to strengthen Oyo State's position in attracting continental investment. The AfCFTA implementation programme, supported by the Oyo State AfCFTA Office, has opened trade and investment opportunities in industrialisation, agribusiness, and export-oriented enterprises.
An additional ₦5.005 trillion was approved for the 2026 work plan of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative, covering health insurance and food security. Launched in 2023 by Governor Seyi Makinde to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal, SAfER has reduced transport fares, distributed food, provided health insurance for pensioners, and supported small-scale entrepreneurs. The council also celebrated the return of Shooting Stars Football Club to continental competition after 27 years, with the governor pledging to prepare the Lekan Salami Stadium for hosting matches.
The same government asking the NUT to prioritise education over protest approved more than double the amount for AfCFTA investment than for textbooks. While ₦8.76 billion is set for learning materials, US$250,000 was fast-tracked to a continental trade body. Teachers are expected to return students to classrooms amid insecurity, but the state's spending signals where its immediate priorities lie. Oyo's students may wonder if their education ranks higher than trade diplomacy.
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