Public outrage has intensified in Osun State following new details that pupils of public primary and secondary schools were made to sing openly partisan songs endorsing a sitting governor during a joint school assembly. The incident, which involved students drawn from no fewer than five public schools, has raised serious ethical, legal, and educational concerns about the use of schoolchildren for political mobilisation.
Investigations by The Nigeria Education News confirm that, beyond general political chants, the pupils were led to sing songs explicitly stating that “anyone who wants good for Osun should vote for Governor Ademola Adeleke,” while referencing the Accord Party. The songs were performed during an official school assembly on the assembly ground, a space traditionally reserved for morning devotion, announcements, and civic instruction.
Video evidence reviewed by this newspaper shows pupils in different school uniforms dancing, beating drums, and chanting in unison, in a manner resembling a political rally rather than an educational gathering. The coordinated nature of the performance and the number of schools involved suggest prior planning rather than spontaneous expression by the children.
Some teachers, who spoke to The Nigeria Education News on condition of anonymity, admitted that the songs were taught to the pupils by educators. They justified the action by claiming that teachers had “experienced two administrations” and were merely passing on lived realities, particularly the period when teachers were owed salaries under the administration of former governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola. That era, critics recall, earned him the nickname “half salary” among public school teachers.
According to these teachers, the songs were meant to indirectly caution against political parties or candidates perceived to have poor records on workers’ welfare. However, the explicit endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke and a named political party has undermined claims that the exercise was merely symbolic or educational.
Education stakeholders argue that this development crosses a dangerous line. While teachers have the right to personal political opinions, experts insist that classrooms and school assemblies must remain politically neutral. “This is no longer civic education; this is political canvassing using minors,” an education policy analyst told The Nigeria Education News.
Parents whose children attend the affected schools expressed shock and anger, questioning why school authorities allowed pupils to be turned into tools for political messaging. Several parents described the situation as a betrayal of trust, stressing that they send their children to school to learn, not to campaign for politicians.
Child rights advocates have also condemned the incident, noting that Nigerian laws and international child protection frameworks discourage the exploitation of minors for political activities. They argue that children lack the capacity to give informed consent and should not be exposed to partisan indoctrination.
The incident has further ignited debate over the politicisation of public education in Osun State. Critics warn that allowing schools to function as political canvassing centres erodes the core purpose of education and risks normalising political bias and intolerance among young learners.
As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Ministry of Education and relevant education boards had yet to issue an official response. Civil society organisations are now demanding an immediate investigation to identify those responsible, enforce sanctions where necessary, and reaffirm schools as safe, neutral spaces for learning.
