Against the backdrop of recent incidences of kidnappings of school students, the Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the executive arm to put in place measures to beef up security in public schools.
The Assembly made this call following a motion moved by Honourable Dahood Olalere of Ibadan North West State Constituency at Tuesday’s plenary, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Abiodun Fadeyi.
Olalere had, in the motion, pointed to the imperativeness of protecting school teachers and children from insurgency, kidnapping, and rape.
He added that beefing up security will also protect school infrastructure from vandalism and theft.
Speaking, Olalere expressed worry at the rate of vandalism of school infrastructure and smokers and hoodlums taking occupation of the school environment, especially after closing hours.
Such measures, he noted, would guarantee safety and build the confidence of parents and guardians to send their children and wards to public schools in the state.
In his contribution, Gabriel Babajide, representing Ibadan North State Constituency 1, noted that several schools were in a dilapidated condition, stressing the need for the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology to sensitise stakeholders on the importance of making public schools safer.
In his contribution, a member representing Atiba state constituency, Honourable Gbenga Oyekola, called for the active contribution of stakeholders like old students, school governing boards, parent-teacher associations, non-governmental organisations, and the government in the provision of security in schools.
He also cautioned those parents fond of entrusting their children and wards to the hands of commercial motorcyclists.
Other lawmakers, in their separate submissions, noted that the motion was not only timely but also expedient to safeguard public schools in the state.
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