Emmanuel Obi
The Oyo State Government has directed all schools across the state to suspend excursions, field trips, sports competitions and other activities that involve moving students outside school premises over rising security concerns.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, was contained in a circular dated May 22, 2026, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Education, Mrs B.T. Oyinloye.
According to the circular, the decision followed heightened security fears after the recent kidnapping incident in Ogbomoso.
“In view of the recent security concerns, the Ministry is taking steps to safeguard the lives of students and members of staff in all schools in Oyo State,” the circular stated.
The ministry directed all school administrators to halt external activities involving students until further notice.
“All School Administrators are hereby directed to suspend all excursions, field trips, sports competitions and any other activities that require moving students outside school premises until further notice,” the statement added.
The government also cancelled all approvals previously granted for such activities.
“Kindly note further that prior approvals granted by the Ministry are hereby overridden by this directive,” the circular noted.
The ministry stressed that the safety of students remains its top priority, insisting that academic and extracurricular activities must not come before the protection of children.
“Meanwhile, the safety of our children is non-negotiable and takes precedence over all academic and extracurricular activities,” it said.
School administrators were further instructed to ensure students remain within school premises during school hours and to report suspicious activities around schools to security agencies.
“This directive takes immediate effect and will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves. Kindly ensure strict and necessary compliance with the content of this circular,” the ministry stated.
The directive was circulated to the Executive Chairmen of TESCOM and SUBEB, Permanent Secretaries and Inspectors-General of Education, Tutor-Generals, Zonal Directors, Local Inspectors of Education, principals and head teachers across the state.
