The Oyo State Government has suspended all school excursions, field trips, and outdoor academic activities indefinitely over rising security concerns in the state.
The directive was contained in a circular issued on Friday by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. B.T. Oyinloye.
The circular, distributed to key education stakeholders including TESCOM, SUBEB chairmen, tutor-generals, zonal directors, principals, head teachers, and local education inspectors, said the decision was taken to protect students and school personnel.
“In view of the recent security concerns, the Ministry is taking steps to safeguard the lives of students and members of staff,” Oyinloye stated.
She ordered all school authorities to immediately suspend excursions, field trips, sports competitions, and any other activity requiring students to leave school premises.
“All school administrators are hereby directed to suspend all excursions, field trips, sports competitions and related activities until further notice,” she added.
According to her, any previous approvals granted for such activities have also been cancelled.
“Prior approvals granted by the Ministry are hereby overridden by this directive,” she said.
Oyinloye emphasised that student safety remains the government’s top priority above academic or extracurricular considerations.
“The safety of our children is non-negotiable and takes precedence over all academic and extracurricular activities,” she said.
She further instructed schools to ensure that students remain within school premises during official school hours.
Administrators were also directed to report any suspicious movements or activities around schools to relevant security agencies.
“This directive takes immediate effect and will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves,” she added.
The ministry urged full compliance from all public and private schools across the state pending further review.
