By Modupe Gbadeyanka
To curb fire outbreaks in public schools and protect the children, the Oyo State Government has taken steps to collaborate with relevant agencies.
On Tuesday, fire gutted a Grade ‘C’ customary court building in Omoyeni Memorial Primary School, Ode-Aje, Ibadan, the state capital.
On Wednesday, the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, was at the school premises for an assessment of the unfortunate incident.
While sympathizing with the headship of the Customary Court over the incident, Mr Adeniran commended the school community for their contributions in putting the fire under control.
He hinted that the board will partner with the Ibadan South-East Local Government, under which the customary court is, adding that the building ravaged in the inferno would be rehabilitated as soon as possible.
“We commend you for being proactive and your quick intervention, which prevented this fire outbreak from spreading to classes here.
“The board is so grateful there was no casualty and that this happened when pupils had left school,” the Oyo SUBEB chief said.
He tasked headteachers to ensure effective monitoring of classes and offices to guard against any illicit connection of electrical appliances and acts capable of causing the fire, charging them to be extra-vigilant in their environment and report any activity that may pose a threat to schools.
“I enjoin you to ensure you monitor whatever these children are doing, and make sure all appliances are put off after school hours,” he appealed to school authorities.
The Chairman also emphasised the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to improving security in all schools, maintaining that all citizens must contribute to the safety of schools in the state.
