Makinde Distributes Motorcycles to Oyo School Officers, 72,000 Notebooks to Boost Basic Education

In a bid to boost basic education, Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has flagged off the distribution of motorcycles to School Support Officers (SSOs) and School Mobilisation Officers (SMOs), as well as 72,000 notebooks to learners across the 33 local government areas of the state.

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The intervention is being implemented under the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) AF TESS Project to strengthen school-community linkages, improve enrolment and support better learning outcomes across the state.

According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Monday, Makinde, represented by his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, flagged off the distribution at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The governor said the intervention reflected his administration’s commitment to making education more accessible, inclusive and effective, describing it as a practical investment in the people and structures supporting children’s learning.

Makinde said School Support and Mobilisation Officers serve as a critical link between schools, families and communities, particularly in identifying out-of-school children, encouraging enrolment and retention, and ensuring children have access to education.

He said the motorcycles would enable the officers to reach communities more promptly and carry out their responsibilities with greater efficiency.

On the 72,000 notebooks, the governor said providing basic learning materials would support learners and improve their participation in lessons.

He urged beneficiaries to use the motorcycles responsibly and strictly for official duties, stressing that they were public assets entrusted to them to serve communities. He also called on school authorities, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to collaborate with the officers to ensure the intervention reaches children who need it most.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Intervention, Oloye Suraj Abiola Tiamiy, said the intervention would strengthen school-community linkages, improve enrolment and attendance, and help officers identify and return out-of-school children to school.

Tiamiy disclosed that the BESDA AF TESS Project had also distributed 18,000 tablets to teachers to support teaching and professional development, while 209 public primary schools had been renovated across the state.

He commended the governor, Ministry of Education, SUBEB, TESCOM, BESDA AF TESS team and development partners for their collaboration, while charging beneficiaries to use the intervention materials responsibly.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Olufemi Okesola appreciated the state government and pledged to use the motorcycles and other materials effectively for monitoring and educational activities across the state.

The event was attended by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola; Chairperson, Oyo State Teaching Service Commission, Mrs Olubukola Oladipo; and Executive Assistant to the Governor on BESDA, Hon. Olatoye Olajide Olusina, among others.