‘We are not against disarticulation of schools, but…’ OGSOSA says
Yinka ADETUNJI
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The Ogbomoso Grammar School Old Students’ Association (OGSOSA) has debunked the insinuation that it is outrightly against disarticulation of public schools in Ogbomoso especially of its alma mater.
This is contained in a statement issued by the body signed by its national president Mr. Tunde Alagbe and made available to ogbomosoinsightonline.com.
It was reported earlier that some old students’ associations are opposed to the planned disarticulation of public secondary schools in Ogbomoso though refraining from mentioning any particular one.
Further investigations revealed OGSOSA allegedly rejected the proposal and in fact made a visit to the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Ibadan, to make enquiries about the matter with a view of seeking the reversal of the splitting of Ogbomoso Grammar School particularly.
Four schools were disarticulated during the last inter-term break viz Ogbomoso Grammar School (OGS), Owode Community Grammar School (OCGS), Millennium Model Secondary School (MMSS) and Anglican Grammar School (AGS). Both OCGS and MMSS are offshoots of OGS, they came in the wake of the 2003 mass disarticulation of schools in the state.
The criterion used for the latest exercise it is gathered is minimum of 1400 students.
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MMSS, OCGS and AGS are believed to be about (or over) 2, 000 each in students’ population while OGS is said to be close, at least over 1600.
“Only those four schools met the criterion in the present exercise and so were split into two each,” a source informed Ogbomoso Insight.
Defending its position, OGSOSA notes that it’s not against the policy but is concerned that the right thing must be done in accordance with procedures and fulfilling of the highlighted criteria. It expresses worries that if the condition is not met before a particular school is broken into two the purpose would be defeated and fear the exercise would be in futility. This is as it underlines that it is not unaware of the benefits of disarticulation.
According to the statement, “There was no doubt that the policy of disarticulation of secondary schools introduced into our educational system during the regime of Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, was laudable, desirable and pragmatic as it aimed at enhancing teaching and learning processes and its resultant students’ outcomes.”
“The policy therefore deserved the support and commendation of all stakeholders in the educational sector in particular and all lovers of education in the state who should also ensure its full implementation for the good of all and sundry.”
It adds, “To us, the policy of disarticulation of schools in Ogbomosoland is not only desirable because of unifying impacts on our educational growth but also on its underlying socio-economic gains/benefits. Consequently, the policy should not only be seen to be supported by us but also be regarded as a task that must be timely done.”
It now raises its concerns, “However, laudable, desirable, vital and supportive as the policy might be, we hasten to say that its implementation in Ogbomosoland as it is done in other parts of the state demands utmost care and it must be done in strict compliance with the approved guidelines/ criteria as laid down by the appropriate authority, in this case, Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Its implementation, therefore, should be objectively based. It should be objectively based. It should not under any pretext or illusion be ego based or predicated on any spurious reasons/factors.”
It goes further with a rhetoric question, “What are the basic criteria for a school disarticulation?”
To this, the group offers answers as it says, “Adequate provision for two separate administration, ensuring availability for qualified teaching staff for the two schools, the permanent school’s enrolment figure is not below 1,500 students, provision for infrastructures, like, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and ITC blocks and a serene and secure learning and teaching environment.”
Though the statement did not unveil whether Ogbomoso Grammar met the criteria or not before it was recently disarticulated, the President upon enquiries said they got information that the students’ enrolment of Ogbomoso Grammar School was 1, 100 prior the splitting averring this fell short of the criterion of 1, 400 students’ population.
It was also stated that the policy did not have approval before commencement submitting this actually propelled the old students to inquire from the ministry.
Arising from these perceived anomalies the statement by OGSOSA therefore asserts, “A careful consideration of the criteria calls for just disarticulation of schools in the state. Any school that fails to satisfy these criteria cannot be disarticulated for now. This simply is our stand which remains unshakeable.
“With above scenario, it is absolutely clear that the sponsors of the said article were out deliberately to tarnish or destroy the reputation of their perceived enemies of disarticulation of schools in Ogbomosholand.
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“This, to say, the truth is a blatant falsehood. We as true citizens of Ogbomosholand, are duly bound to call authorities to ensure at all times that a just and equitable implementation of disarticulation of schools is based primarily on approved criteria/guidelines. This is predicated on the adage which says, “what is good for the goose is also good for gander”. We are therefore saying that all disarticulations of schools in the state must follow due process and be based on satisfaction of approved criteria/guidelines and not on the whims and caprices of anybody or institution, however high he/it may be in Oyo State.”
In the meantime Ogbomoso Insight gathered that the disarticulation of the four schools had been implemented. The four schools were split vertically so each school takes off with JSS one to SS three arms (though SS three students are currently writing WAEC) unlike into Junior and senior schools format in 2003.
“The teachers, students and other resources have been redistributed for commencement of full operations in an autonomous way,” a source informed.
The policy is seen as one that will enhance career progression of teachers as more would now have the opportunity of attaining top of career status, more employment opportunities’ creation, more efficient management of students among others.
But, will the schools be self-sufficient in terms of facilities and other resources as highlighted by OGSOSA?
