Oyo govt introduces evening market classes to address out-of-school challenge

By Matthew Ogunwale 

In a decisive move to confront the rising number of out-of-school children, the Oyo State Government has launched a free evening education programme targeted at children working in major markets across the state.

The initiative was announced on Thursday, April 23, 2026, by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, during a press briefing held at his office. He reiterated that access to basic education is a legal right of every child and must be protected through practical and inclusive policies.

Olayiwola explained that the administration of Seyi Makinde is prioritizing solutions that reflect the realities of many families, especially those whose children are engaged in daily economic activities.

Rather than enforcing compliance through sanctions alone, the government is opting for a more adaptive approach that creates opportunities for learning outside traditional school hours.

Flexible Learning for Working Children

Central to the initiative is the introduction of structured evening classes designed to accommodate children who spend their daytime hours in markets. The programme seeks to bridge the gap between work and education, ensuring that no child is permanently excluded from learning.

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The pilot phase will be implemented in three major markets, Mokola/Sabo, Bodija, and Agbeni/Idi-kan—areas identified as having a high number of out-of-school children.

Classes are set to commence on Monday, April 27, 2026, running daily from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

To support effective learning, the government has designated nearby public schools as centres for the programme:

• St. Brigid’s Primary School, Mokola
• St. Patrick’s Basic School, Idi-kan, Agbeni
• Methodist Primary School, Bodija

The commissioner urged parents, guardians, and traders to embrace the initiative by allowing children under their care to participate consistently.

Grassroots Mobilisation Drives Participation

Speaking on the preparatory efforts, the Director of Basic Education, Susan Oladipo, revealed that the State Steering Committee on Almajiri and Out-of-School Children had already conducted sensitisation visits to the selected markets.

She noted that market associations and community leaders responded positively, pledging their cooperation in identifying affected children and encouraging their enrolment in the programme.

A Model for Inclusive Education

The initiative reflects a broader shift in education policy, one that acknowledges socio-economic barriers while still upholding the importance of schooling. By bringing education closer to children in informal work settings, the government aims to gradually transition them into the formal education system.

Education stakeholders have described the programme as a timely intervention that could reshape how states address the out-of-school crisis, particularly in urban centres where economic pressures often compete with schooling.

The development was formally communicated in a statement endorsed by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, on April 24, 2026.

As implementation begins, the success of the initiative will largely depend on sustained community support and the government’s ability to maintain quality teaching and consistent attendance. If effectively executed, the programme could significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children and strengthen the state’s education system.