As Oyo State looks toward a future of inclusive development and generational advancement, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and 2027 gubernatorial aspirant, Barr. Akeem Agbaje, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to reposition the education sector as a bedrock for sustainable growth and social equity.

Speaking during engagements with educators, school administrators, community leaders, and parents, Barr. Agbaje emphasized that no society can rise beyond the quality of its education system. He described Oyo’s academic legacy — home to Nigeria’s premier university and other historic institutions — as a heritage worth preserving and expanding through strategic reforms.

“Oyo is known for scholarship, for great minds, and for its place in shaping national intellect. But to retain that honour, we must go beyond rhetoric and ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to functional, qualitative, and modern education,” he said.

Barr Agbaje noted persistent challenges such as infrastructure decay, teacher imbalances, and the increasing number of out-of-school children, particularly in underserved communities. He called for a more coordinated and responsive approach to ensure every child is kept in school and given the tools to thrive.

At the heart of his proposals is a renewed emphasis on basic education, anchored on accessibility, quality, and relevance. He stressed that schools must be not just available, but also safe, well-equipped, and capable of delivering outcomes that match the demands of today’s world.

Barr Agbaje strongly advocated subject-specific teacher recruitment, warning against lopsided staffing where some subjects are overrepresented while others remain neglected.

“We must recruit teachers not just in numbers, but with precision. Every school deserves a qualified teacher for every subject. That is how we raise balanced and competent students prepared for a complex world.”

He further proposed the early integration of skills-based learning into the school curriculum, allowing pupils from a young age to develop practical abilities alongside academic instruction.

“Education must go beyond passing exams. Let us help our children discover what they can do with their hands and minds — from computing to carpentry, from food processing to fashion design. These are not fallback plans; they are legitimate, dignified career paths.”

The 2027 APC gubernatorial aspirant emphasized that vocational and technical education must be given equal footing with conventional academics, insisting that every student should graduate with at least one skill that promotes economic independence and self-reliance.

On the issue of out-of-school children, Agbaje, the scion of Agbaje la’yeye, described the situation as a moral and developmental emergency. He advocated targeted, community-driven interventions to reduce the numbers drastically, especially in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.

He also called for joint ownership in school governance, encouraging traditional rulers, alumni associations, and private partners to play more visible roles in revitalizing public education.

“The idea that government must do it alone is outdated. When communities have a voice, they contribute meaningful solutions. We will support inclusive governance, empower PTAs, and reward innovation where it emerges.”

He reiterated his commitment to digital learning expansion, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, and proposed full activation of e-learning platforms to extend classroom access beyond physical school hours.

Barr. Agbaje also stressed the importance of effectively securing and deploying education funds, citing bureaucratic delays as a major hindrance to timely execution of impactful projects. He assured that under his leadership, education financing would be guided by transparency, urgency, and measurable goals.

“Education is not just a social good; it is the foundation of everything we hope to build — from security to prosperity. It must move from the margins of political promises to the core of our governance strategy.”

In closing, Barr. Akeem Agbaje reaffirmed his belief in the potential of Oyo’s youth and the resilience of its educators. He called on all stakeholders, civil society, development partners, and the private sector, to align around a shared vision of education as a tool for opportunity and transformation.

“Our classrooms must inspire, our teachers must be valued, and our children must believe that education opens doors. That is the Oyo we must build — one classroom, one child, and one future at a time.”