The directive, which affects both public and private schools, was contained in a circular issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Bamidele Oyinloye.
According to the ministry, the decision forms part of urgent precautionary measures aimed at protecting students, teachers and other school personnel amid the prevailing security situation.
The circular, addressed to the Executive Chairman of TESCOM, Permanent Secretaries, Tutors-General, Local Inspectors of Education, principals and head teachers across the state, stated that all previously approved trips and outdoor activities have also been cancelled until further notice.
“In view of the recent security concerns, the Ministry is taking proactive steps to safeguard the lives of students and members of staff in all schools across Oyo State,” the statement read.
The ministry further directed that “all school administrators are hereby instructed to suspend all excursions, field trips, sports competitions and any other activities that require moving students outside school premises until further notice.”
It added that “prior approvals granted by the Ministry are hereby overridden by this directive.”
Oyinloye stressed that the welfare and safety of students must remain the highest priority of every school authority, insisting that no academic or extracurricular programme should compromise the security of children.
“The safety of our children is non-negotiable and takes precedence over all academic and extracurricular activities,” she stated.
The circular also instructed school administrators to strengthen internal monitoring within school environments and maintain close communication with security agencies in their respective areas.
Schools were specifically advised to ensure students remain within school premises during school hours and to promptly report any suspicious movement or activity around school communities to law enforcement authorities.
“This directive takes immediate effect and will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves,” the Permanent Secretary added.
The development has generated mixed reactions among parents, students and education stakeholders.
While some students expressed disappointment over the cancellation of planned excursions and sporting events, many parents commended the government for prioritising the safety of children.
A parent, Mrs. Funke Adeyemi, described the decision as timely, saying, “Security should always come first. As painful as it may be for students to miss their activities, no parent wants to take chances with the safety of their child.”
Some school administrators also acknowledged the challenges the directive may pose, especially for schools that had already made financial and logistical preparations for educational trips and competitions.
However, many agreed that the measure was necessary under the current circumstances.
tribuneonlineng.com
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