The Oyo State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all school excursions, field trips, inter-school sports competitions, and other off-campus activities across the state following growing security concerns linked to recent abduction incidents.
The directive was issued by the state Ministry of Education in response to last week’s coordinated attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where several students and teachers were reportedly abducted and remain in captivity.
According to the government, the suspension takes immediate effect and overrides all earlier approvals granted for educational trips and external school programmes.
The directive was contained in a circular dated May 22, 2026, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs B.T. Oyinloye.
The circular was distributed to key education stakeholders across the state, including officials of the Teaching Service Commission, the State Universal Basic Education Board, tutor-generals, zonal directors, principals, head teachers, and local education inspectors.
The ministry stated that the decision became necessary due to the worsening security situation and the need to ensure the safety of students and school personnel across Oyo State.
“In view of the recent security concerns, the Ministry is taking steps to safeguard the lives of students and members of staff in all schools in Oyo State,” the circular stated.
School administrators were directed to halt all activities requiring students to leave school premises until further notice. The government also instructed schools to keep students within campus environments during school hours while maintaining close surveillance around educational facilities.
Authorities further advised school heads to immediately report suspicious movements or security threats around schools to law enforcement agencies operating within their jurisdictions.
The state government emphasised that the protection of students and teachers remains its top priority, stressing that safety considerations now outweigh academic and extracurricular engagements outside school premises.
The latest security measure follows heightened tension among parents and residents after the abduction attack in Ogbomoso, which has intensified concerns over insecurity in schools and surrounding communities within the state.
The administration of Governor Seyi Makinde said the suspension would remain in force pending improvements in the security situation.
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