Ogun governorship candidate promises education reform

The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement in Ogun State, Rotimi Babajide, has promised to declare a state of emergency in education if he wins in 2027.

Babajide, who is an expert in town planning, made this pledge while speaking to reporters at a press conference in Abeokuta on Saturday.

He said this action is needed to quickly fix what he called a serious drop in Ogun's educational standards.

"If elected by the grace of God come May 29, 2027, I am going to declare a state of emergency in education because the education that our forefathers brought to us, the likes of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Tai Solarin, Professor Wole Soyinka, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, has suffered a serious decline and retrogression," Babajide said.

He described the current state of education as unfortunate. Babajide believes Ogun can no longer afford to let its rich educational history fade away.

"This is a shame on us as indigenes of Ogun State. Ogun indigenes are known as scholars; missionaries established schools here, and our children were doing remarkably well in education," he added.

Babajide promised that if he becomes governor, his administration would use digital tools and modern facilities to improve learning. He wants to make sure students in Ogun can compete with others worldwide.

"We are going to introduce digital tools to train and teach our children so they can measure up with their peers globally," he mentioned.

Babajide also showed his support for his party's presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. He expressed trust in Makinde's ability to lead the country.

"I believe sincerely that Governor Seyi Makinde is competent to lead at the national level," he said.