The Oyo State Government has directed all public and private schools across the state to suspend excursions, field trips, inter-school sports competitions and other activities requiring students to leave school premises due to rising security concerns.
The directive was issued through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in a circular addressed to education stakeholders, including the Executive Chairmen of TESCOM and SUBEB, permanent secretaries, tutor-generals, zonal directors, local inspectors of education, principals and head teachers across the state.
According to the circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs B.T. Oyinloye, the decision was taken as part of measures to safeguard students and staff amid growing security challenges.
“In view of the recent security concerns, the Ministry is taking steps to safeguard the lives of students and members of staff in all schools in Oyo State,” the circular stated.
The government directed school administrators to immediately suspend all external student-related activities until further notice.
“All school administrators are hereby directed to suspend all excursions, field trips, sports competitions and any other activities that require moving students outside school premises until further notice,” the statement read.
The ministry also announced that any previous approvals granted for such activities had been withdrawn, stressing that student safety remains a top priority.
“Prior approvals granted by the Ministry are hereby overridden by this directive. Meanwhile, the safety of our children is non-negotiable and takes precedence over all academic and extracurricular activities,” it added.
School authorities were further instructed to ensure students remain within school premises during school hours and to promptly report suspicious movements or activities around schools to security agencies within their areas.
“School administrators are equally enjoined to keep students within school premises during school hours and should report any suspicious activity around school premises to law enforcement agencies within their jurisdiction,” the circular stated.
The ministry noted that the directive takes immediate effect and would remain in place pending an improvement in the security situation.
“This directive takes immediate effect and will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves,” the government said, while urging strict compliance from all school administrators.
The latest move comes amid heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State following recent attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
