Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday said he is a living testament to the enduring impact of the free education policy introduced by the late former governor of the old Oyo State, Chief Bola Ige, describing the programme as a foundation for the state’s human capital development.
Makinde spoke at the opening ceremony of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo State, held in Ibadan.
Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, during the military administration of the late General Murtala Muhammed, with Bola Ige serving as its first executive governor between 1979 and 1983.
Recounting his personal experience, Makinde said he benefitted directly from Ige’s free education policy, which covered tuition and learning materials for students in public schools.
“I started my secondary education during Bola Ige’s free education programme. I attended Bishop Phillips Academy, and we were given everything — books, chairs, tables — without paying school fees,” the governor said.
He added that his administration’s decision to abolish tuition fees in public primary and secondary schools in the state was inspired by the same philosophy of giving every child access to quality education, regardless of background.
“When I cancelled school fees, it was simply a way of giving back to society and ensuring that no child is denied education because of financial constraints,” he said.
Makinde stressed that Oyo State’s greatest strength lies in its people, noting that sustained investment in education, healthcare and infrastructure was central to his government’s development agenda.
“The full strength of Oyo State is in its people. Today, we can confidently say the state has moved from promises to performance,” he said.
The governor also paid tribute to past leaders of the state, particularly Bola Ige, whose policies, he said, laid the foundation for inclusive growth and social mobility.
The Oyo at 50 celebration is expected to feature cultural displays, policy dialogues and thanksgiving services, as the state reflects on its journey over the past five decades and charts a new course for development.
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