By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

The Ondo State Government under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has confirmed the takeover of United High School, Owena/Ayetoro Idanre, in Idanre Local Government Area, 36 years after it was reopened by the community.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. F. A. Adegoke, confirmed the development while speaking with The Hope.

The Hope reports that the community reopened the only secondary school in the area in 2023 through communal efforts, after it was originally shut down in 1987.

Adegoke, who was represented at the takeover event by the Director of Planning in the ministry, Mr. Francis Omoluwa, said the Aiyedatiwa-led administration is committed to providing every child in the state with equitable access to quality education and opportunities to thrive, regardless of background.

He emphasized that one of the current government’s top priorities is ensuring that all school-age children in the state have access to quality education.

He noted that the takeover of United High School, Owena/Ayetoro, was necessary to relieve students from the hardship of trekking long distances to neighboring towns in pursuit of secondary education in government-owned schools.

“This occasion is not just a ceremonial takeover of the school, but a significant stride toward reshaping the educational landscape of Ondo State under the education component of the administration’s ‘OUR EASE’ development agenda,” he said.

“This takeover represents Mr. Governor’s commitment to building a future where every child, regardless of background, has unfettered access to quality education.

“Kindly note that Mr. Governor’s approval has been communicated to the State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) for necessary action. While congratulating you on the new status of your school, I wish to emphasize that you must ensure strict adherence to all government policies guiding the operation of public secondary schools in the state.”

Also speaking, Chairman of Idanre Local Government, Hon. Smart Omotadowa, said the school was shut down in 1987 without any clear reason but was reopened in 2023 through community efforts.

“Today, we celebrate the official reopening and takeover of the school by the government,” he said.

“The selfless efforts of the community ensured the school did not die off — it’s laudable and commendable. I want to thank Mr. Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his quick response.”

He pledged his administration’s full commitment and support to make the school one of the best in the area.

He added that the confirmation of the government’s approval was well received by the community, with residents expressing appreciation to the state government.

Also speaking, a community leader, Mr. Akinsola Akintan, said the residents were tired of waiting for many years of unfulfilled promises by successive administrations that the school would be reopened.

He noted that the reopening of the school would be a panacea for the declining state of learning in the community.

Chairman of the Resuscitation Committee, Mr. Olutosoye Olorunsola, said during the 2023/2024 academic session, educational programs with some providential and productive beginnings commenced at the school.

He noted that United High School, Owena-Ayetoro, was established in 1979 and served other communities and villages such as Ipinlerere, Ago Store, Ajegunle, Lanika, Oke Maye, Onikokodiya, Gberiwojo, and Akindana village.

Olorunsola explained that the school was temporarily closed in 1987 without any justification.

The community leaders commended the State Governor and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for the kind gesture of taking over the school to ensure maximum efficiency.

They pledged the community’s support to the state and local governments for the continuous development and growth of the school and the community.

“We are grateful to God and the government that our efforts have come to fruition. We are happy the state government has taken proper possession of the school. This is the only secondary school we have in this community.

“We pledge our continuous support to the government to develop the school, uplift the community, and build a better future for our children.”