Students go on rampage in Ibadan over proposed privatisation of public schools

Secondary school students in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday protested plan by the state government to privatise some public schools.

Hundreds of students in their uniforms stormed the Oke Ado area where the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Vocational Training Centre is located.

The protesters threw stones at the building from various directions, breaking the windows, thus forcing trainers and trainees at the centre to scamper for safety.

The students lamented that the one thousand naira fee introduced by the government coupled with the alleged plan to involve the private sector in the management of public schools was unacceptable to them, as it would lead to further increase in school fees.

Security personnel quickly moved to the area to restore order.

The students also staged a peaceful protest to the Broadcasting House, Dugbe.

Speaking on what informed their action, some of the students said the decision of the Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led state government would not only cause hardship for their parents but also deprive them of the benefit of being educated.

They explained that since the state government gave notice of its intention, many of their teachers had stopped coming to class.

The students added that should schools be put up for sale to individuals or groups, they would face a bleak future.