Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, has appealed to teachers to suspend their strike and reopen public schools across the state.
The governor made the appeal following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire LGA.
Makinde’s plea was contained in a statement issued by Dotun Oyelade, commissioner for information, after the state executive council meeting.
Governor appeals to teachers
Makinde said the concerns raised by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) are understandable.
However, he urged the union to consider the impact of prolonged school closures on pupils and parents.
“While the reasons for the withdrawal of the students from school by the NUT are understandable, the collateral implications, both social and economic, are raising unintended concerns,” the statement reads.
The government also assured residents that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.
Oyo approves N8.7bn for learning materials
Meanwhile, the executive council approved N8.77 billion for the procurement of teaching and learning materials.
The funds will cover primary and junior secondary schools across the state.
The total value of the project stands at N23.01 billion.
According to the government, the materials will include textbooks for mathematics, English language, literacy, numeracy and basic science.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the World Bank.
State to receive performance-based reward
Furthermore, Oyelade said Oyo could qualify for additional funding after distributing the learning materials.
According to him, the state will receive two dollars per student per subject under the programme’s performance-based financing model.
“Upon the successful procurement and distribution of the approved textbooks, Oyo State becomes eligible for a reward-based disbursement of two United States dollars per student per subject,” he said.
Council raises 2026 budget to N1.1tn
The council also approved an upward review of the 2026 budget.
The budget increased from N892.1 billion to N1.102 trillion.
Oyelade said several ministries, departments and agencies requested additional funds to complete ongoing projects before the end of the administration’s tenure.
Oyo approves AfCFTA, SAfER funding
In addition, the council approved a payment of $250,000 to support AfCFTA implementation programmes in the state.
The government said the move would strengthen Oyo’s position in attracting investments across Africa.
The council also approved N5.91 billion for the 2026 SAfER programme.
The funds will support health insurance and food security initiatives.
According to the government, the intervention remains necessary because economic hardship has not eased.
