School Resumption: Principals in Idanre Express Worry Over Low Turnout of Students, Vandalism by Hoodlums and Call for Government Attention
Principals in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State have expressed concern over the low turnout of students following the resumption of schools for the new academic session. They also decried the recurring issue of vandalism by hoodlums, which has affected many schools in the area.
In a report by The Democrat News Magazine on Thursday, 18th of September, 2025, our correspondents visited several schools including:
- Ilemobola Girls’ Grammar School
- Olofin Grammar School
- Methodist High School, Idanre
- St. Joseph Catholic High School
- CAC Grammar School
- Baptist High School
- Ebun Ogunyinka Comprehensive College, Atosin-Idanre
- Methodist Mega School, Odode
Mr. Akinmade Olorunyomi, Principal of Olofin Grammar School, Odode-Idanre, reported that only about 84 students had resumed out of over 750 enrolled. He appealed to parents to prioritize education and release their children from farm work to return to school on time.
“Let me use this opportunity to call on parents to release their children to come to school. Keeping them on the farm at the beginning of a new session is not advisable,” he said.
He also urged the government to address the pressing infrastructural challenges in the school.
Mrs. R.B. Akinnuoye, ANCOPSS Chairman and Principal of Ilemobola Girls’ Grammar School, noted that teachers resumed a week earlier to prepare for the students’ return. She said about 100 students resumed on the first day and revealed that the school rewards early comers to encourage punctual resumption.
She emphasized the need for parents and stakeholders to sensitize students on the importance of resuming school on time and encouraged students to aim for academic excellence.
Mrs. Akinnuoye also commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for the recruitment of new teachers, which she said has improved subject coverage.
Mr. Ebenezer Ige Tope, Principal of Methodist High School, Idanre, expressed his commitment to exposing students to academic competitions to broaden their learning experience.
“Our students represented Ondo State and came second in a competition organized by Hon. Abiola Makinde,” he proudly stated.
He pledged to improve the school’s performance through dedicated teaching and participation in competitive activities.
Dr. Adegbite Abayomi, Principal of St. Joseph Catholic High School, thanked the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology for a smooth resumption process but raised concerns about the shortage of subject teachers.
He acknowledged the support of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and the Old Students’ Association in boosting academic performance and providing extracurricular activities like table tennis and volleyball.
Mrs. Ayokanmi Oyedele, Principal of Idanre High School, Alade, stated that teaching had already begun and expressed optimism for better performance in upcoming external examinations. However, she raised alarms over the repeated vandalism of the school and called for the construction of perimeter fencing.
“The school has been broken into on several occasions. Securing the premises is now critical,” she noted.
Comrade Charles Taiwo Adesoye, Principal of CAC Grammar School, reported extremely low student attendance—only two students had resumed so far. He disclosed that he has been engaging community leaders, including the High Chief Lisa, to seek solutions.
“I’ve also received support from the Area Education Officer (AEO), and we hope to change the current situation,” he added.
He praised the Old Students’ Association for helping with labor, chairs, and locker supplies.
Mrs. Beatrice Adeyosoye, Principal of Baptist High School, echoed the concerns over incessant break-ins and appealed to stakeholders for more support in securing the school. She also appreciated the contributions of new teachers and alumni in transforming the school.
Mrs. Akinbola Adunni, Vice Principal (Academics) of Ebun Ogunyinka Comprehensive College, emphasized the need for parents to fulfill their roles as teachers continue to do their part.
Primary Schools Also Affected
In the primary education sector, Mrs. Akinwumi Rita Ajoke confirmed that about 100 pupils had resumed. She praised the efforts of the Ondo State government and disclosed that the school is preparing for nationwide CBT examinations, with efforts underway to ensure digital compliance.
Across Idanre LGA, while schools have resumed and teachers are ready, poor student turnout, insecurity, and infrastructural decay remain pressing issues. Principals call on parents, government, and stakeholders to intensify support for the education sector to ensure a productive academic session.