Osun Government Responds to Wole Soyinka High School Controversy, Blames "Natural Disaster" and Substandard Work

The Osun State Government has addressed public concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of Wole Soyinka Government High School in Ejigbo, attributing the sorry state of the facility to a "natural disaster" and a "substandard renovation work" carried out by a contractor during the previous administration.

The P.M.NEWS, a media organization, had drawn the government's attention to the school's dilapidated state following reports from concerned citizens. As a vigilant member of the press, the publication highlighted the urgent need for intervention in what should be a prized educational facility.

In an official statement titled “Setting the Record Straight: Wole Soyinka High School’s Condition and the Adeleke Administration’s Commitment to Education,” signed by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the state government denied abandoning the facility.

According to the statement, "the deterioration is not due to abandonment by the current administration but the result of a natural disaster and prior substandard renovation work." The government elaborated, stating that "Towards the end of former Governor Oyetola’s tenure, the school was indeed renovated by a contractor engaged by the previous administration. However, the work done fell below acceptable standards. This year, a severe rainstorm hit the area, damaging many structures including this school, damage that was worsened by the poor quality of earlier renovation."

Government's Pledge for Future Action and Accountability

Despite the current condition, the government emphasized its commitment to education, stating that while Wole Soyinka High School was not included in the immediate phase of its infrastructure upgrade plan, it has been marked for "urgent attention in the next phase." Governor Adeleke's administration reiterated its dedication to ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for all children in Osun State.

The then Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left) and Professor Wole Soyinka during the commissioning of Wole Soyinka Government High School Ejigbo on Monday 23 Nov. 2015. PHOTO: Osun State official website

Once a state of the art infrastructure, Wole Soyinka Government High School Ejigbo, now in ruins

Another section of the once upon a beautiful school rotting away

Interestingly, the statement also confirmed that the state government has fully paid the contractor responsible for the last renovation, despite acknowledging the shoddy work. The government stressed that "Accountability is being enforced, and such negligence will not be tolerated. Moving forward, quality control and due diligence will guide every renovation project."

The Osun State Government concluded its statement by asserting that "Governor Adeleke’s administration is focused on real progress, and multiple schools across the state are currently undergoing transformation under his watch. It is misleading and disingenuous to ignore the broader strides being made in public education due to isolated incidents."

This response from the Osun State Government aims to quell public discontent and reassure citizens of its commitment to education infrastructure, even as it navigates the challenges of past projects and natural occurrences.