The Oyo State government, on Monday, commenced the 2023 screening/placement exercise statewide for primary six pupils transiting into public Junior Secondary School One.
A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, revealed that close to 156,979 pupils across 503 centers in the 33 local government areas of the state participated in the exercise.
The statement said that the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Abdul Waheed, alongside a team from the ministry monitored the exercise in some centers within the Ibadan metropolis.
The commissioner applauded the hitch free exercise, noting that the centers visited were peaceful and devoid of malpractices.
Expressing satisfaction over the conduct of the exercise, Waheed gave kudos to the Oyo State government and the management of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for conducting the screening/placement exercise despite the ongoing workers’ protest.
He explained that the Oyo State government is committed to ensuring that no child is left behind in accessing quality education in the state.
He said, “As you can see, everything is hitch free and going on well. Let me quickly give kudos to the Oyo State government and management team of the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. I was fully aware that the labor union is seriously working that the screening/placement exercise will not be held today due to their protest, but we thank God we were able to hold the exercise.
“The students are future leaders and we need to catch them young. Also, we encourage them to enroll in public institutions because the ministry places a premium on qualitative education.”
Speaking on behalf of parents, Mrs. Olasoji Olanike commended the state government for the conduct of the screening and placement exercise in a conducive environment, noting that the exercise commenced on time.
She explained that the pupils were were well attended to during the exercise.
The monitoring team included the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusanjo Adeniyi, directors and other staff members of the ministry.
Centers visited during the monitoring exercise include: Ikolaba Grammar School, Ikolaba; Army Barrack Grammar School, Iwo-Road; Community Grammar School, Ibadan; Bishop Phillips Academy; Monatan High School; Lagelu Basic Special School, Iyana Church, Ibadan, among others.
