Five months after the Ondo State Senior Secondary Education Board was established, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has yet to constitute the body, sparking growing concern among stakeholders over the future of secondary education in the state.
The board, which was established last year following a directive by the Federal Government of Nigeria, was designed to address the deep rooted challenges confronting senior secondary schools, particularly from SSS1 to SSS3.. Chief among its responsibilities is tackling the alarming decay in infrastructure across public schools in the state.
However, months after its announcement, the board remains non-operational, leaving critical issues unattended and raising questions about the state government’s commitment to education reform.
Investigations reveal that many secondary schools across Ondo State continue to grapple with dilapidated buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of essential teaching and learning materials.
In some cases, students are forced to learn under unsafe and unconducive conditions, further compounding the challenges facing the sector.
Education stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and civil society organisations, have voiced frustration over the delay, warning that the absence of the board has stalled urgently needed interventions.
They argue that without a properly constituted governing body, efforts to rehabilitate infrastructure and improve academic standards will remain ineffective.
“The board was meant to be a turning point for secondary education in Ondo State, but nothing has changed since its announcement,” a concerned education advocate said. “Every day of delay means more hardship for students and teachers.”
Experts insist that critical steps must be taken immediately to reverse the situation. These include the prompt appointment of competent and experienced board members, adequate budgetary allocation to support infrastructure development, and the implementation of a strategic plan to upgrade school facilities across the state.
They also stress the need for transparency and accountability in the board’s eventual operations to ensure that resources are effectively utilized and that tangible improvements are seen in schools.
Observers warn that continued inaction could undermine the intent behind the federal directive and further deepen the crisis in Ondo State’s education system. With the academic future of thousands of students at stake, pressure is mounting on Governor Aiyedatiwa to act swiftly.
As the delay persists, stakeholders are left waiting, hopeful that the long overdue constitution of the board will finally set in motion the reforms needed to restore dignity and quality to senior secondary education in the state.
