Oyo Speaker leads push for gender-responsive budgeting in education sector

The Oyo State House of Assembly on Thursday pledged legislative support for gender-responsive education reforms aimed at improving inclusiveness, transparency and accountability in the state’s education sector.

The commitment was made at a policy dialogue on Legislative Pathways for Inclusive Education Reform in Oyo State, held in Ibadan and convened by YouthHubAfrica, Education As A Vaccine and Malala Fund.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, in his keynote address, described education as the foundation of sustainable development and said the Legislature would continue to back policies that ensure equal access and better learning outcomes for children.

“Anywhere we can support education in Oyo and Nigeria, we will do so. We are significant stakeholders in this engagement,” he said.

Ogundoyin noted that the Assembly’s role goes beyond making laws to include oversight and appropriation. He said these responsibilities are important in shaping policy direction, setting budget priorities and ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and fairly.

He described gender-responsive education budgeting as both a moral obligation and a development strategy. He urged lawmakers and stakeholders to examine whether budget allocations address the needs of girls, children with disabilities and marginalised communities.

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According to him, improving transparency and citizen participation in the budgeting process would strengthen public trust and improve outcomes in the sector.

The Speaker said the House Committees on Budget and Appropriation, Education, Science and Technology, and Women Affairs and Community Development would work with civil society groups and development partners to review existing frameworks, identify gaps and support reforms.

Partnership Manager, Nigeria, Malala Fund, Maryam Danburam, commended the Assembly’s leadership and said the dialogue created room to align policy commitments with adequate funding.

She added that collaboration between government and civil society is necessary to build accountable education systems, particularly in advancing the rights of girls to complete 12 years of quality education.

The dialogue, held under the JAG Project, also sought legislative backing for the implementation of a Gender-Responsive Education Sector Plan (GRESP), promotion of open education governance and the development of policy frameworks to improve service delivery.

Executive Director of Education as a Vaccine (EVA), Mrs. OluwatoyinChukwudozie, described education as key to human capital development and pledged continued partnership to help children reach their potential.

Executive Director of YouthHubAfrica, Rotimi Olawale, called for stronger financial prioritisation within the education budget, noting that consistent reforms would help prepare future leaders.

One of the outcomes of the meeting was the adoption of a communiqué outlining commitments made by the Speaker and other stakeholders.