My free education policy on course –Makinde
… Mourns passing of Balogun of Ibadanland’s wife
BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has rejected a purported “false and reckless assertion made by one Mufutau Gbadegesin, who claimed that school principals are collecting money from parents for documentation of newly-admitted JSS1 students” and “for collection of JSS3 BECE results,” and on that basis declared that Governor Makinde’s free education policy has ended.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said this at the weekend.
Dr. Olanrewaju, in another statement, also said the governor commiserated with the Balogun of Ibadanlan on the demise of his wife.
Speaking on the free education policy, Olanrewaju said: “This narrative is not only factually incorrect, but also a deliberate distortion of one of the most transformative and widely celebrated policies in Oyo State.
“It ignores the reality on the ground, the documented achievements of the administration, and the undeniable progress that has brought hope to thousands of families across the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, free education in Oyo State remains fully operational. Since 2019, Governor Makinde has maintained an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child in the state has access to free and qualitative education.
“No public school is authorised to collect tuition or compulsory levies from students, and any principal found doing so is acting outside government policy and will face disciplinary action.
“Gbadegesin’s attempt to generalise isolated incidents -if they happened at all – into a sweeping conclusion is intellectually dishonest. His claim ignores official directives, enforcement actions, and the substantial investments that continue to strengthen the free education policy.
“It also disregards the lived reality of millions of Oyo families whose children attend school every day without paying fees. One of the clearest indicators that the free education policy is thriving is the fact that no fewer than 75,000 out‑of‑school children have returned to classrooms across Oyo State since the policy was introduced.
“This achievement is directly linked to removing financial barriers, expanding access, and restoring confidence in public education. A policy responsible for bringing tens of thousands of children back to school cannot, by any stretch of logic, be described as ‘ended.’”
Olanrewaju said Governor Makinde expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Olori Basirat Ajibola, wife of the Balogun of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, describing her death as a painful loss to Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole.
The governor extended heartfelt condolences to Oba Ajibola, the Ajibola family, and the entire Ibadan traditional institution, noting that the passing of the respected matriarch, who was also the Aare Onibon Iyalode of Ibadanland, had created a void, not only within the royal household, but also across the cultural landscape of Ibadanland.
Governor Makinde described the late Olori as a woman of dignity, compassion, and quiet influence, whose presence strengthened the Balogun’s service to Ibadanland.
He said her support, wisdom, and commitment to the wellbeing of the community contributed significantly to the peace, stability, and continuity of the revered traditional structure, adding that her legacy of humility and service would continue to be remembered with deep respect by all who encountered her.
