Following growing tension after the recent school abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area, the Oyo State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all school excursions, field trips, inter-school sports competitions and other off-campus academic activities across the state.
The directive, which affects both public and private schools, was issued amid heightened security concerns after gunmen attacked schools in Oriire last week, abducting students and teachers, with some victims still reportedly unaccounted for.
In a circular released by the Ministry of Education and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs B.T. Oyinloye, the government said the decision became necessary to protect students and school personnel from potential security threats.
The circular directed all school administrators to immediately halt any activity that would require students to move outside school premises 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 read.
The ministry also announced that all previously approved external school activities stand cancelled, warning schools to comply strictly with the directive.
School authorities were further instructed to ensure students remain within school premises during school hours and to promptly report suspicious movements or security threats around schools to security agencies.
Government officials said the measure forms part of broader efforts to strengthen security around schools and prevent further attacks on educational institutions, especially in vulnerable communities.
The development has generated mixed reactions among education stakeholders across the state. While some parents and school administrators described the move as necessary for the safety of students, others expressed concern over the impact on extracurricular learning and inter-school engagements.
The directive has already been circulated to relevant education agencies, including TESCOM, SUBEB, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretaries, zonal directors and education officers across all local government areas for immediate enforcement.
The Oyo State Government maintained that the suspension would remain in force until there is noticeable improvement in the security situation across affected areas.
