Oyo Suspends School Excursions, Field Trips Over Security Concerns

The Oyo State Government has directed the immediate suspension of school excursions, field trips, sports competitions, and all student activities requiring movement outside school premises across the state over rising security concerns.

The directive, issued through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, applies to both public and private schools.

In a circular addressed to the Executive Chairman of TESCOM, Executive Chairman of SUBEB, permanent secretaries, tutor-generals, zonal directors, local inspectors of education, principals of public and private schools, principals of technical colleges, and head teachers across the state, the ministry said the measure was taken to safeguard students and school staff.

The circular, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. B. T. Oyinloye, and obtained by newsmen, stated that the decision became necessary due to recent security developments.

“In view of the recent security concerns, the ministry is taking steps to safeguard the lives of students and members of staff in all schools in Oyo State,” the circular stated.

It directed that “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The ministry further clarified that previously granted approvals for such activities were no longer valid under the new directive.

It added that school administrators must ensure students remain within school premises during school hours and report any suspicious activity around school environments to relevant law enforcement agencies.

“The safety of our children is non-negotiable and takes precedence over all academic and extracurricular activities,” it stated.

The directive takes immediate effect and will remain in force until the security situation improves, according to the ministry.