In reaffirmation of its commitment to ensuring that every school-age child has access to basic education, the Oyo State government is set to commence free evening classes for children engaged in menial jobs within major markets.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, who made this known on Thursday, April 23, while briefing the media in his office in Ibadan, described it as a fundamental right guaranteed by law.
The pilot phase of the programme, according to the Commissioner, will take place in Mokola/Sabo, Bodija, and Agbeni/Idi-kan markets.
The programme has been scheduled to commence on Monday, April 27, 2026, while the classes will start at 4pm and close at 6pm daily.
The designated centres include: St. Brigid’s Primary School, Mokola (for children in Sabo/Mokola axis); Saint Patrick’s Basic School, Idi-kan, Agbeni (for children in Idi-kan, Agbeni and surrounding areas); and Methodist Primary School, Bodija (for children in Bodija and environs).
Hon. Olayiwola explained that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has adopted an alternative approach to enforcing compliance with compulsory basic education.
He noted that instead of focusing solely on penalties for parents, the government is introducing flexible learning opportunities for children who are currently out of school.
He urged parents, guardians, community leaders, market stakeholders and traders in the markets to collaborate with the government and support the initiative by allowing and encouraging affected children to attend the two-hour evening classes.
In her remarks, the Director of Basic Education, Mrs. Susan Oladipo, disclosed that members of the State Steering Committee on Almajiri and Out of School had conducted awareness and sensitization visits to the three markets.
She said that market leaders pledged their full support by helping to identify vulnerable children and encouraging their participation in the programme.
