Community Grammar School, Oke-Ayo, in Odo-Ona Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State, has called for urgent government intervention to renovate its classroom blocks and provide modern toilet facilities amid concerns over poor sanitation, inadequate infrastructure and declining female student enrolment.
The call was made during a School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) meeting organised by BudgIT and held at the school on October 7, 2026. A representative of BudgIT facilitated discussions on the challenges affecting education delivery and the need for increased government investment in public schools.
The meeting brought together two principals, two vice principals, two head teachers, a headmistress, community representatives, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) representatives and SBMC members.
Participants identified inadequate funding, deteriorating school facilities, insufficient furniture and poor access to water as major obstacles affecting the learning environment and students’ welfare.
The BudgIT representative encouraged stakeholders to work collectively to address the challenges through sustained engagement with relevant government agencies.
The representative also highlighted funding gaps in Oyo State’s education sector and stressed the importance of community-led advocacy in securing government support for public schools.
School Infrastructure Faces Deterioration
The SBMC Chairman commended the school management, parents and community members for their contributions towards maintaining the institution, noting that several existing structures had been developed through collective community efforts.
However, he identified inadequate funding as a major challenge, particularly following the discontinuation of the previous ₦1,000 termly contribution paid by students.
According to him, although the school has substantial classroom structures, many require renovation to improve their condition and ensure a more conducive learning environment.
He also raised concerns about the poor state of the toilet facilities, the absence of running water and water leakage during heavy rainfall.
These problems, he explained, have created sanitation challenges that require urgent attention.
The SBMC Assistant Chairman also expressed concern over the condition of the school, revealing that the Ministry of Education had raised questions about the facilities and the possibility of reducing student postings if improvements were not made.
She linked the poor infrastructure to declining female enrolment, stating that some parents had withdrawn their daughters from the school because of the prevailing conditions.
She further explained that the toilets frequently become blocked due to inadequate water supply and poor maintenance.
Female Student Enrolment Raises Concern
One of the major issues discussed at the meeting was the sharp imbalance between male and female students at Community Grammar School, Oke-Ayo.
The Head of Department and senior school representative reported that the male-to-female student ratio was approximately 30:4, highlighting concerns about female enrolment and retention.
Participants expressed concern that inadequate toilet facilities and poor sanitation could discourage parents from enrolling their daughters or allowing them to remain in the school.
They stressed the need for functional modern toilets and a reliable water supply to improve hygiene, protect students’ welfare and create a more supportive environment for girls’ education.
The Headmistress of Sacred Heart Primary School also confirmed that the condition of the facilities had made some parents reluctant to enrol or retain their children at Community Grammar School.
Despite these concerns, she commended the students’ academic performance and expressed support for efforts to improve the institution.
Shortage of Furniture and Funding Affects Learning
A Head Teacher who spoke at the meeting described the school as facing significant resource constraints.
He explained that the discontinuation of the termly student contribution had made it more difficult for the management to meet basic needs.
He also noted that support from the Old Students Association had been insufficient to address the school’s pressing challenges.
According to him, shortages of tables and chairs for teachers and students have affected the learning environment, while inadequate facilities have contributed to difficulties in retaining teachers.
He observed that some teachers seek transfers to schools with better working conditions.
Nevertheless, he commended the students for maintaining good academic performance despite the challenges.
The school management also disclosed that it had previously submitted requests for assistance to the Oyo State Ministry of Education, the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
However, the expected interventions had yet to materialise, according to the senior school representative.
He also raised concerns about poor sanitation and unauthorised access to the school premises outside official school hours.
Principal Highlights Strong Academic Performance
The Principal of Community Grammar School, Oke-Ayo, acknowledged the institution’s infrastructure challenges but emphasised its academic achievements.
She disclosed that the school recorded the best West African Examinations Council (WAEC) result in the ward in the most recent examination.
According to her, the achievement reflected the dedication of teachers and students despite the difficult learning conditions.
The principal appreciated the contributions of the SBMC and community members and welcomed the engagement involving BudgIT and the Malala Fund as an opportunity to pursue solutions to the school’s infrastructure and sanitation problems.
She expressed hope that sustained advocacy would help secure the necessary government intervention.
SBMC, Community to Approach Government Agencies
At the end of the meeting, participants agreed to intensify advocacy for the renovation of existing classroom blocks and the provision of modern toilet facilities.
Rather than demolishing and rebuilding the structures, stakeholders resolved to prioritise renovation, with particular attention to sanitation and access to water.
The meeting agreed that separate advocacy letters would be submitted to the Oyo State Ministry of Education, TESCOM and SUBEB to request intervention.
The primary request will focus on the renovation of classroom blocks and the provision of modern toilets at Community Grammar School, Oke-Ayo, Odo-Ona Apata, Ibadan.
The SBMC, PTA and community representatives are expected to lead follow-up engagements with the relevant government institutions.
BudgIT will support the process through documentation, stakeholder engagement and follow-up advocacy.
Participants also agreed that future interventions should prioritise improved sanitation, increased female student enrolment and retention, and a better overall learning environment.
The meeting concluded that Community Grammar School, Oke-Ayo, has considerable academic potential but requires urgent improvements to its infrastructure and sanitation facilities.
Stakeholders pledged to pursue coordinated advocacy until the school’s identified needs receive the necessary attention from the relevant authorities.
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