Less than a kilometer from Akindeko Street, Alekuwodo, where the commissioning ceremony of the Road Network of Alekuwodo was holding, students and teachers of Public Schools in the State of Osun lined the road with messages of appreciation to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for the reversal of single uniform regime across the State.
It will be recalled that as part of the review of some extent education policies in the State, the government had announced that every school should return to its old established and recognised public uniform with effect from the 2020/2021 academic session, as against the single uniform practice in the State.
Commenting on the new policy, Mrs Oluyinka Ajadi, the Principal Salvation Army Gramma School, Alekuwodo, described the efforts of Governor Oyetola as a multi-pronged approach that addresses concerns in both education and security.
Ajadi said: “We really appreciate the efforts of the Governor in returning the uniform of each school to its former state. Now we can identify our students better especially in a school that is largely populated.
“We have had instances of miscreants causing havoc across schools in the past, but that is a thing of the past now. Besides, the students really love the idea of the uniform change”, Ajadi stated.
Ajadi also expressed gratitude to Governor Oyetola for the ways he has attended to other concerns in the education sector, including the welfare of teachers.
She continued: “Governor Oyetola has also provided us with education materials such as furniture and textbooks. He has provided hygiene and sanitation materials which helped our ability to reopen our schools after a long time of lockdown.
“Mr Governor has also been encouraging us in several ways, especially in the areas of our welfare. We have been receiving full salaries without delays since the inception of his administration. He has also lifted all embargoes on other welfare packages such as annual increment and promotion. All these interventions have gladden the hearts of our teachers”, Ajadi added.
Mrs Adeleke Florence Adeola, the Principal II of Salvation Army Grammar School also appreciated the kind gesture of Governor Oyetola, adding that the reversal to the old uniforms of schools has added colour and beauty to the general tone of their school.
In her words: “The uniform change has among other things reduced hooliganism drastically in just two weeks of its implementation. This tells us how important and strategic the policy is.
“The uniform change is just a metaphor for the commendable interventions of Governor Oyetola, especially in the area of Teachers’ welfare. Without doubt, motivated teachers will translate to better and qualitative deliveries in the State”, Adeleke stated.
Alhaji Shittu, the Principal of Olutimehin Grammar School, Osogbo, described the uniform change as the most appropriate and strategic option in a socio-cultural context like Osun and Nigeria.
According to Shittu: “The uniform change shows the true identity and uniqueness of each school. With that, indiscipline has now been curtailed to a good degree and we are hopeful that indisicipline will be totally eradicated in our schools soon.
“Now, students are even more conscious of their activities, careful to only promote the positive image of their schools. Now, there is healthy rivalry among schools because no school wants to be identified with any negativity.
“As a major stakeholder in basic education, I dare to say that there is no policy without merits and demerits. While the single uniform regime cannot be absolutely condemned, the reversal to old order is the best for developing countries like ours.”
Miss Ogunlola Temiloluwa Janet, a student of Salvation Army Grammar School, described the uniform change as something she loves personally. She said it is now easy to differentiate between Salvation Army and other schools. She also said there is peace in the school.
“The true character of every school is now showing and parents can now make good decisions on where to take their children to. We thank the Governor and we want him to continue to do good works. We love our Governor and his decisions”, Temiloluwa said.
Master Balogun Oluwafikayomi, also a student of Salvation Army Grammar School, said the uniform change has helped the work of the EduMarshall among other advantages.
