The Osun State Government has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of 11 mega schools constructed at a cost of N16.5 billion during the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Officials say the state is now grappling with the unintended consequences of that ambitious education project, including a growing population of out-of-school children.
Constructed with a vision to modernize education infrastructure and reduce dropout rates, the mega schools scattered across the state were initially celebrated for their grandeur and futuristic design. However, nearly eight years later, state officials now describe many of them as structurally unsafe, financially burdensome, and counterproductive to educational access.
Speaking during an event commemorating the World Day Against Child Labour, Osun State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Adedipo Eluwole, lamented the consequences of what he described as “ill-conceived and poorly maintained educational investments.” He stated that some of the mega school buildings are now in such bad condition that they are being abandoned by students and teachers alike.
“The mega school in Ayedaade is almost collapsing,” Eluwole revealed. “We sent engineers to assess the damage, and the cost of renovating that one building alone is estimated at N480 million. With that same amount, we could renovate dozens of smaller classrooms in different communities across a whole local government.”
The commissioner attributed the decay not only to structural flaws but also to administrative miscalculations. He argued that merging multiple schools into single mega institutions had isolated many pupils from their communities, making access to education difficult, especially for children living in rural or underserved areas.
“Under the previous administration, pupils from Owode were told to go all the way to Fakunle, near the stadium,” Eluwole said. “For many parents, that distance was too far and unsafe. So, they simply stopped sending their children to school. That’s how Osun became one of the states with the highest number of out-of-school children.”
Eluwole also criticized the prioritization of grand projects over practical investments in education. “We are correcting a lot of mistakes,” he said. “The past administration focused on optics, but now we are dealing with the long-term consequences vandalism, abandonment, and neglect. These buildings are becoming liabilities.”
The commissioner disclosed that the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke has shifted focus from massive infrastructure to grassroots accessibility and inclusivity. “We are now building schools within communities to eliminate long commutes for pupils and bring education back to the people,” he stated.
He added that the Adeleke-led government has also launched initiatives aimed at reversing the enrollment crisis. According to Eluwole, the state recorded a significant breakthrough last year with over 11,000 previously unenrolled children brought back to the classroom through targeted community outreach, feeding programs, and scholarship schemes.
Stakeholders in the education sector, including civil society organizations and teacher associations, have reacted to the government’s revelations with mixed feelings. While some commend the Adeleke administration for its candid acknowledgment of past failures, others urge immediate action to salvage the dilapidated structures before they pose greater risks.
“We appreciate the honesty of the present government,” said Dr. Olubunmi Ajayi, an education policy analyst in Osogbo. “But beyond lamentation, what we need now is a detailed audit and a phased renovation plan to ensure these schools don’t turn into death traps for unsuspecting pupils.”
Meanwhile, parents across Osun State continue to express frustration over the state of public schools. “We were happy when the mega school came to our town,” said Mrs. Aderonke Ajibola, a mother of three in Ifetedo. “But now, the windows are broken, roofs are leaking, and our children are back on the streets. What’s the point of a school that can’t be maintained?”
As the state government prepares for the 2025/2026 academic calendar, education watchers are calling for a balance between ambitious infrastructure and sustainable educational planning. They warn that unless urgent interventions are made, the goals behind the mega schools will remain unfulfilled dreams buried under crumbling concrete.
With Osun’s education challenges now firmly in public view, all eyes are on the Adeleke administration to provide not just answers, but lasting solutions that prioritize every child’s right to safe and accessible learning environments.
