The Oyo State Government has announced the rollout of free evening classes targeted at out-of-school children operating within major markets, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen access to compulsory basic education across the state.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, disclosed this on Thursday, 23 April 2026, during a media briefing, reiterating that basic education remains “a fundamental right guaranteed by law” and must be accessible to every school-age child.
Olayiwola stated that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde is shifting towards a more inclusive enforcement strategy that prioritises access over sanctions. “Rather than focusing solely on penalties for parents, we are introducing flexible learning opportunities that accommodate the realities of children currently engaged in economic activities,” he said.
According to him, the initiative will provide structured, free evening classes for children involved in menial jobs across selected markets, with the pilot phase covering Mokola/Sabo, Bodija, and Agbeni/Idi-kan.
He confirmed that the programme will commence on Monday, April 27, 2026, with daily classes scheduled between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
The designated learning centres include St. Brigid’s Primary School, Mokola, serving the Sabo/Mokola axis; St. Patrick’s Basic School, Idi-kan, catering to children in Agbeni and surrounding areas; and Methodist Primary School, Bodija, for participants within the Bodija district.
Olayiwola urged parents, guardians, and market stakeholders to support the initiative by ensuring that affected children are released to attend the sessions. “This intervention requires collective responsibility. We call on all stakeholders to encourage participation and prioritise the future of these children,” he added.
Also speaking, the Director of Basic Education, Mrs Susan Oladipo, noted that the State Steering Committee on Almajiri and Out-of-School Children has already conducted sensitisation visits across the selected markets.
She confirmed that market leaders have pledged support, particularly in identifying vulnerable children and facilitating their enrolment in the programme.
