By Seyi Babalola
The Oyo State Government has evacuated 359 illegal structures and shanties shielding its public primary and secondary school premises within the Ibadan metropolis.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Architect Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, during the exercise Monday, reiterated the government’s commitment to bring sanity to school premises in the State.
Arc. Mogbonjubola, about two months ago, directed the issuance of eviction letters, which were dispatched through the principals and heads of the affected schools.
The eviction notices were also directly issued to owners of the illegal shops, shanties, and structures, which were acknowledged by them.
Arc. Mogbonjubola assured of the readiness on the part of government to remove all impediments capable of distractions around school premises towards a more conducive learning environment in the state.
According to the Honourable Commissioner, “we would not rest on our oars, until sanity is maintained…every student stands to learn better and maximize his/her potential, only if the learning environment is favorable…the present administration of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, will never look away from this reality”.
Consequently, about 45 schools, where the illegal structures were visibly erected, now wear better looks.
Schools around Ode Aje, Orita Aperin, especially, IMG, Ode Aje; Islamic Primary and Secondary Schools; IMG Olubadan Basic Schools 1, 2 and 3, Orita Aperin; Government Technical College, Orita Aperin; Christ Church High school; United Mission College Demonstration School 1, Molete; IDC Basic School, Adobe; St. Stephen’s Primary School, Alegongo; Community High School Alegongo.
Also Issabatudeen Girls’ Grammar School, Orita Basorun; St. Paul’s Anglican Primary School, Yanbule; Methodist Grammar School Bodija; Emmanuel College, U.I, and host of others were sanitized.
The Honourable Commissioner, however, warned owners of the illegal shanties against further occupation of the school premises to avoid facing the wrath of Oyo State Environmental laws.
Earlier, the Executive Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde had during one of his night inspections in Ibadan metropolis discovered arrays of shanties and illegal structures overshadowing most schools and their fences, a situation he described as highly disgusting and inappropriate.
In another dimension, Architect Mogbonjubola commended owners of the illegal shops and structures who had complied before the arrival of his team.
Present among the team include: Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Moradeyo Sunday, Directors and Environmental Health Officers.
