Civil society organisations, education experts, and government representatives have called for greater transparency and accountability in Oyo State's education system. The push came during a bi-annual policy dialogue organised by YouthHub Africa in Ibadan. Participants discussed gaps in governance and proposed ways to enhance citizen oversight.
The bi-annual policy dialogue, held at Adibs Hotel in Bodija, Ibadan, brought together budget analysts, gender advocates, school governance experts, and community-based organisations. The event aimed to assess the state of education accountability, identify gaps, and strengthen citizen-led oversight in schools and education agencies.
Doowuese Injinder, Programme Officer for Education and Girl-Child Literacy at YouthHub Africa, emphasised the need for collaboration between citizens and authorities. "No education system can achieve meaningful progress without transparency in planning, budgeting and project implementation," she said. She added that building trust between government and the public is essential for better learning outcomes.
Nwaiwu Elizabeth, representing YouthHub Africa's Executive Director Rotimi Olawale, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to openness. She noted that citizen participation ensures public investments lead to improvements in infrastructure, teacher support, and learning materials.
Key presentations included a virtual session by Joseph Amenaghawon, Executive Director of One Life Mission, on Oyo State's education budgeting. He pointed out opportunities for public oversight to cut leakages and improve value for money. Peter Ogah, YouthHub Africa's Programme Officer for Governance, followed with an in-person talk on community-driven transparency, using case studies to show the effects of weak accountability and benefits of engagement.
Breakout groups focused on community monitoring of projects, civil society collaboration, and budget access. Recommendations included simplifying project communications, disseminating budgets widely, and coordinating stakeholders better.
Mrs Oluwaseun Folajuwon-Banjo, Executive Director of Saving Faces and Justice Point Foundation and Oyo State Education Coordination Coordinator, told journalists the dialogue is vital for gender-responsive education. She called for well-documented, accessible school projects. Ms Ifeoluwa Adewole, Programmes Manager for Getting Girls Equal under AREA 1, said the event empowers coalitions to drive reforms for girls and vulnerable groups.
Participants shared action plans with YouthHub Africa, stressing community involvement, coalitions, and advocacy for better governance.