Oyo schools’ reopening: Ajimobi demands apology letters from teachers, students

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has demanded a letter of apology from teachers of schools whose students embarked on the June 6 protest as a prerequisite for reopening public schools in the state.

Ajimobi delivered this message upon the visit of the Oyo State Chapter of the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) to the governor’s house, on Thursday.

It will be recalled that the state government had ordered the closure of all primary and secondary schools in the state consequent upon a wild protest by the students against the purported plan of government to privatise public schools.

Chairman, NAPTAN, Mr Abiodun Jimoh, briefing journalists, said Ajimobi in response to their appeal for the reopening of the schools had requested that the head teachers of about four affected schools should tender a letter of apology.

Ajimobi held that the teachers were wrong to have instigated the pupils to go violent in their protest.

Assuring of meeting with the teachers’ body, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over this demand, Jimoh expressed optimism that the strike would soon be called off.

Speaking, Jimoh said, “We complained that the strike is affecting not just the students but also parents and teachers. We went to him to appeal to him to do all he can to make sure the strike is called off. He said that this request would be granted provided we can assure him of apology letters, especially from the teachers of those schools whose students embarked on a protest.”

“The NUT was also asked to apologise. He said provided we do all these, he is ready to call off the strike. Then we promised to consult the NUT. After discussing with the NUT, we will meet the teachers of the affected schools to see how we can resolve the issue. We hope to resolve all the issues over the weekend so that the strike is called off next week. He promised that once we forward the letters of apology, the strike would be called off. Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has demanded a letter of apology from teachers of schools whose students embarked on the June 6 protest as a prerequisite for reopening public schools in the state.

Chairman, NAPTAN, Mr Abiodun Jimoh, briefing journalists, said Ajimobi in response to their appeal for the reopening of the schools had requested that the head teachers of about four affected schools should tender a letter of apology.

Special Adviser to Governor Ajimobi on Communication and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka affirmed that the governor demanded an apology not only from the teachers but also the pupils.

“Yes, he demanded an apology from the teachers. The governor demanded an apology not only from the teachers but also from the pupils who were so misguided. Their actions were wrong and they need to take responsibility, accept the wrongness and apologise appropriately so that they can become better citizens.

“The pupils must write their apology individually and collectively. When we were young, or offended the school or parents, we were made to write some sentences or lines which is repeated for a number of times stating certain don’ts. It is a purgatory process, a process of decriminalising the pupils. You would see in some videos all over the internet where the pupils were acting as area boys and thugs. It is a psychological process of decriminalising those children.”