Major School Reforms Initiated During My Tenure In Osun Not Targeted At Anyone – Oyetola
By Kabir Akintayo
Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and the immediate past governor of Osun state, Adegboyega Oyetola has said that the major school reforms carried out by his administration were based on the outcry of Osun people.
The Minister who was represented by his former Chief of staff, Dr. Charles Akinola, when he was governor of the state, made the clarification in an event commemorating the 90th anniversary of Ilesa Grammar School in Osun on Saturday.
Oyetola maintained that the school reform initiative was never targeted at anyone, adding that he only acted on the recommendation of Osun Citizens Needs Assessment report.
“During our time in office, as someone who believes in the transformative power of education, I ensured that education was a strong pillar of our administration’s Development Agenda.
“Throughout the four years we were in government, we demonstrated our commitment to improving the education system in Osun through the tremendous interventions and reforms we carried out”, he said.
Oyetola also noted that some of the reforms initiated helped in improving the economy of the state and wellbeing of its citizens who are into school uniform businesses and other sectors.
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“Specifically, we had to revisit the issue of single uniform, reclassification of schools, and change of schools names among others. We took the decision to do the needful in line with the yearnings and aspirations of Osun citizens as captured in the Citizens Needs Assessment report.
“Therefore, the reforms we carried out under our administration was never targeted at anyone. If anything, apart from restoring confidence in the Old Students Associations, especially those who dragged us to court, like your body, the decision further helped to boost the Osun local economy as the old men and women selling school uniforms that were hitherto sent out of business bounced back.
“If we did not take the courage to take the decision back then, you may not have been able to gather in this large number to celebrate today as you may not have where to call your school,” Oyetola said.
The former Osun governor also expressed gratitude for being awarded the Renaissance Award of Excellence by the old students of the esteemed institution.
He said “I am glad that while alive, history is already being kind to us. I am optimistic that our modest efforts in other sectors while in office would also be acknowledged, whether in the present or in the years to come”, Oyetola said.
He concluded by acknowledging the personal, institutional, and societal significance of alumni gatherings, praising the attendees for coming together to reminisce, share experiences, give back to their alma mater, and collectively contribute to society.
