Ogun tightens school security, fixes July 13 for promotion examinations

By Popoola Jamiu, Abeokuta

The Ogun State Government has strengthened security around schools across the state as part of renewed efforts to safeguard pupils and students and ensure a safe learning environment.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, disclosed this at the inaugural meeting of the State Steering Committee on the Safe School Initiative, assuring parents and guardians that there was no cause for panic over reports of security threats circulating in some communities.

He said the government remained committed to protecting lives and property and urged parents to cooperate with security agencies rather than create unnecessary tension that could disrupt academic activities.

Commenting on the temporary closure of some primary schools in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, including African Church Primary School, Ogbe Odukoko; St. James Anglican Primary School, Mushin Ore; OOLG Primary School, Akinlogun Erumbe; and OOLG Primary School, Magbon Etido, Arigbabu explained that the decision followed rumours of the presence of armed bandits in the area and an unverified report of a kidnapping linked to a company in the community.

He, however, cautioned parents and other stakeholders against initiating or encouraging self-imposed school closures or “sit-at-home” actions, warning that such measures could seriously disrupt the academic calendar.

According to the commissioner, the state government has deployed additional security personnel across all 20 local government areas to strengthen surveillance around schools.

He said the measures include regular security patrols, improved perimeter security, stricter visitor screening and enhanced collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies.

Arigbabu urged parents in the affected communities to allow their children to return to school, assuring them that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun was taking proactive steps to prevent security threats.

> “We are committed to the well-being of our children and will continue to do more to ensure they study in a safe and conducive environment,” he said.

The commissioner also disclosed that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology had directed school principals and headteachers to review internal safety protocols, conduct regular safety drills and maintain updated contact details for parents and emergency responders.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, reassured parents that schools remained safe, noting that the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands had jointly launched Operation Ko S’aye to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Similarly, the Ogun State Command of the NSCDC, represented by the Assistant Commandant of Corps and Head of the Safe School Project, Adedipe Mobolaji, alongside Mr. Ige Folayinka of the National School Crime Prevention Corps (NSCPC), pledged to intensify intelligence-driven patrols around vulnerable schools and ensure rapid response to security incidents.

Promotion examinations begin July 13

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has announced that the 2025/2026 promotion examinations for public primary and secondary schools will commence on Monday, July 13, and end on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

The examinations will also cover the state’s seven Government Technical Colleges and the Government Technical and Vocational College.

In a statement signed by Prof. Arigbabu, the ministry directed all headteachers and principals to make adequate preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the examinations.

The ministry also urged pupils and students to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the examination period, assuring them that all necessary arrangements had been put in place for a hitch-free exercise.

It wished all candidates success in the examinations.