Salisu Rallies Monarchs to Tackle Out-of-School Crisis in Ogun Central

The Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, has launched a grassroots initiative to address the rising number of out-of-school children in the region, enlisting traditional rulers as key stakeholders in the education sector.

Speaking at a capacity-building workshop and empowerment programme for royal fathers held at Ake Palace in Abeokuta, Senator Salisu described education as the “most sustainable form of empowerment,” warning that failure to act could pose a significant threat to the future of the district.

“Our royal fathers are closer to the people than any institution of government,” he stated, noting that their influence, if effectively utilised, could catalyse the reforms needed to reverse current trends.

The workshop, themed “Improving Secondary School Enrolment through Community Engagement,” was organised in collaboration with the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) and Ampersand Development Partners. It brought together traditional rulers, educationists, security experts, and development stakeholders to equip monarchs to champion education reform in their communities.

A ten-point communiqué was adopted at the end of the summit and read by the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, on behalf of the traditional council. Among the resolutions were the creation of community-based school monitoring teams, the establishment of mentorship programmes, and the adoption of skill-based curricula aligned with labour market demands.

Oba Matemilola emphasised the need for monarchs to assume more active roles in addressing societal challenges, particularly in the educational sector.

The communiqué also recommended improved incentives for teachers, targeted youth unemployment initiatives, better access to education funding, and stronger collaboration with Egba indigenes in the diaspora to address infrastructural deficits.

Senator Salisu reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the extension of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s educational reforms to the federal level. He cited recent achievements in digital learning, infrastructure improvement, and teacher development in Ogun State as replicable models for other states to follow.

“We will continue to work with federal agencies to access funding sources such as the National Education Loan Scheme to support students from low-income backgrounds,” he said.

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, commended Senator Salisu’s consistent support for community development.

“Before his election, he was already supporting our office. He listens to our needs and takes action,” the monarch remarked, adding that traditional rulers must lead by example to retain public confidence.

Expert presentations at the event called for reforms in curriculum design and policy direction. Professor Olajumoke Familoni advocated for a greater emphasis on vocational and technical education, while Professor Bamidele Sogbesan urged the adoption of evidence-based policymaking. Former Ogun State Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu recommended integrating community policing into school safety frameworks to combat youth crime and drug abuse.

Key outcomes from the summit included a resolution to hold an Ogun Central Educational Summit, establish Education Vanguards for school monitoring, and initiate sustained training for monarchs in governance and conflict resolution.

Senator Salisu concluded the event by reiterating that education remains central to building a prosperous and peaceful Ogun Central and called for continued collaboration among all stakeholders.