As Oyo State continues to seek sustainable models for growth and social advancement, Barr. Akeem Agbaje, a frontline gubernatorial hopeful and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has outlined a bold education reform agenda. His blueprint focuses on revitalizing the state’s public education system, particularly its state-owned institutions, to serve as catalysts for innovation, inclusive development, and competitive advantage in a knowledge-driven economy.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with academic stakeholders, student representatives, and education policy experts, Barr. Agbaje reiterated that education remains the single most transformative investment a government can make to unlock long-term prosperity and generational mobility.

“Oyo State is the birthplace of formal higher education in Nigeria with University of Ibadan. We must now lead again, not just in history, but in vision and delivery.”

Barr. Agbaje lamented the systemic underfunding and administrative neglect affecting many public schools and tertiary institutions across the state. He noted that the average public school today suffers from insufficient infrastructure, poor teacher-pupil ratios, outdated curriculum, and a widening disconnect between classroom learning and market realities.

He emphasized that meaningful change must go beyond token interventions and focus on structural realignment, innovative partnerships, and long-term financing mechanisms that guarantee not only access to education, but quality and relevance.

A 4-Point Education Recovery and Reform Agenda

My administration will implement a comprehensive Education Reform and State-Owned Institutions Funding Framework, anchored on four strategic pillars:

Education Trust Fund (ETF) for Tertiary Institutions

A dedicated fund will be created to support infrastructure renewal, academic research, staff development, and scholarship support for students in public colleges and universities. The fund will be transparently administered and aligned with the unique needs of each institution.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Technical and Higher Education

Barr. Agbaje proposed an “OyoEduFund” partnership model that will leverage private sector investment to build new technical colleges, revamp old ones, and upgrade existing institutions through Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreements. These partnerships will prioritize technology-enabled learning, industry-specific training, and local content development.

Performance-Based Institutional Funding

He also proposed a merit-linked funding system, where a portion of state subventions will be tied to measurable outcomes, such as graduate employability, research productivity, and financial accountability. Institutions that perform well will receive incentives, while support will be restructured for those underperforming.

Digital Education Access and Innovation

A phased plan to digitize public schools will be rolled out, including the provision of solar-powered e-learning centers, smart libraries, and broadband access across campuses. Emphasis will be placed on STEM education, digital skills, and entrepreneurship, especially in underserved areas.

Reclaiming Oyo’s Place as a Knowledge Capital

According to Barr. Agbaje, Oyo State cannot claim to be progressive if its educational foundations remain weak. He stressed the need to reposition the state’s education sector as a strategic pillar of its development journey, noting that the most competitive societies of tomorrow will be those that educate their people well today.

“We must rethink education, not just as a classroom affair, but as the bedrock of our economy, the soul of our institutions, and the hope of every family in Oyo,” he said.

He acknowledged the role of agencies such as the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Ministry of Education, and expressed readiness to strengthen their capacities and mandate, rather than duplicate efforts.

Inclusive Education Governance for All

Barr. Agbaje also pledged to establish a Statewide Education Stakeholders’ Forum, where educators, parents, students, and private sector partners can regularly co-create policy, monitor implementation, and ensure that reforms are people-focused and future-ready.

“Our mission is clear — no child left behind, no school neglected, and no institution ignored. Oyo must lead again.”