…Moves for Enhanced Support for Rural Teachers in Oyo State
Enimere Àkànbí
The Oyo State House of Assembly has appealed to the State Government to ban students in all public and private secondary schools from accessing personal mobile phones during school hours.
Lawmaker representing Akinyele 1 Contituency, Honourable Olalekan Abiola, made the appeal while moving a motion titled “Need to ban the use of Mobile phones in Secondary Schools in the State to improve Student Discipline and better academic performance” during the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin.
Honourable Abiodun revealed that while mobile phone serve as important communication tools, it misuse among secondary school students has led to negative behavioural patterns.
The motion stated “the use of mobile phones in secondary schools has become a growing concern, as it contributes to distraction during learning hours, reduces students ‘focus on academics, and promotes in discipline.
The students have gone as far as smuggling mobile phones into examination halls to cheat, undermining the credibility of academic assessments. The unrestricted access to mobile phones has also contributed to rising cases of cyberbullying, sex – texting, and exposure to inappropriate materials, which negatively influence students’ behaviour”
The Lawmakers, however emphasized on the need for school authorities to establish official communication channels that allow parents to reach their wards in emergencies without disrupting learning activities.
The House therefore directed its standing committee on Education to engage all relevant stakeholders including Ministry of Education, Agency for Mobilization and Ministry of Information for dialogue and workout modalities to adopt in curbing the use of phones among secondary schools students.
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Also at the plenary, Member representing Oorelope Constituency Honourable Jimoh Luqman, moved a motion advocating for improved compensation and support for teachers in rural schools.
The motion, emphasized the need to encourage teachers’ commitment and ensure quality education in underserved areas of the state.
Hon. Luqman commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his dedication to education, as demonstrated by the recent recruitment of teachers through the Oyo State Post Primary Schools Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
He noted that while these efforts have addressed staffing needs, rural schools still face challenges due to the unique difficulties associated with teaching in remote areas.
The lawmaker highlighted issues such as long commutes, lack of basic amenities, and social isolation, which often discourage teachers from accepting or remaining in rural postings.
He stressed that without proper incentives, many teachers seek transfers or abandon their posts, leading to a shortage of educators in those critical areas.
Hon. Luqman proposed the revival of teachers’ cottages to provide stable and comfortable housing for educators in rural communities.
He also suggested offering teachers opportunities to engage in subsistence farming, which could supplement their income and foster stronger connections with the local communities they serve.
The motion further called for capacity-building initiatives, reliable internet access, and technological tools to ensure that teachers in rural areas remain professionally connected and equipped to deliver quality education.
Hon. Luqman emphasized that these measures would not only improve teacher retention but also enhance the overall educational experience for students in remote schools.
The Assembly resolved to urge the Executive Arm of Government to develop a comprehensive incentive package for rural teachers.
This package would include transport allowances, performance-based bonuses, and adequate accommodation for teachers and their families.
Additionally, the motion recommended collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide agricultural training and resources for teachers.
Hon. Luqman also called for sensitization programs by the Ministry of Information and Orientation to encourage local communities to support and integrate teachers into their villages.
He noted that fostering a sense of belonging among educators would lead to a more committed and effective teaching workforce.
In his remark, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Ogundoyin said many newly employed teachers in the State who were deployed to rural areas are already seeking transfer to the cities.
According to the Speaker, If implemented, the proposed measures in the Motion are expected to improve teacher retention, enhance the quality of education, and contribute to the socio-economic development of Oyo State.
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