Muslim community condemns sale of schools in Oyo State

The Muslim Community of Oyo State has condemned in strong terms the proposed plan by the Oyo State Government to sell off schools in the state contrary to the provisions of the Universal Basic Education Act of 2014 and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

The group said it is a strange phenomenon that the Oyo State Government without consultation with all stakeholders unilaterally decided to sell what belongs to all the entire citizenry.

It will be recalled that the state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, in 2015 set up the Oyo State Inter-religious/Inter-ethnic Committee, whose function is to meet regularly on issues of this nature.

But the group said unfortunately, the committee said, met only once after its inauguration and this issue was not table at the meeting.

It added in a statement on Monday: “It is expected that to take a decision on such important matter, an education summit ought to have been organised before such pronouncement. It is like putting the cart before the horse.

“While we sympathise with government on paucity of funds, the Muslim Community of Oyo state will not allow the government to trade away the future of the children of the downtrodden just because of a few shylock.

“It is worrisome and disappointing that a governor that swore on his inauguration to protect the constitution now went against it by violating provisions of the same constitution and thereby destroying Obafemi Awolowo’s legacy of free education in the state which the Governor promised to uphold.

“One of the hallmarks of the present administration is the creation of peace in the land. The ripple effects of this policy may create chaos and anarchy in the state.

“For record purposes the Universal Basic Education of 2014 states that ‘every government in Nigeria shall provide free compulsory and Universal Basic Education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age’.

“It also provides that every parent who contravenes this act commit an offence and is liable to a fine or imprisonment or both.

“We, therefore appeal to government to rescind this decision of waging war against its people for which the Governor swore to uphold.”

The statement was signed by Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni and Alhaji Mursiq Siyanbade, the Chairman and Secretary respectively.