The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has commenced the distribution of textbooks, school bags, sandals and other learning materials to public primary and junior secondary schools across Oyo State.

The initiative was officially flagged off in Ibadan under the 2024 Federal Government–UBEC/SUBEB Intervention Programme, marking the start of large-scale supply of core instructional resources aimed at strengthening teaching and learning in basic education.

Speaking at the ceremony held at OYOSUBEB headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan, the Chairman of OYOSUBEB, Nureni Adeniran, said the intervention covers thousands of textbooks in key subjects, including Mathematics, English, Science and Technology for nursery and primary levels.

According to him, the materials distributed include:

19,289 copies each of Primary Mathematics Books 1–3
15,515 copies of Primary English Books 1–3
15,111 copies each of Nursery English Books 1–3
6,673 copies each of Nursery Mathematics Books 1–3
2,500 copies each of Science and Technology Books 1–3
40,000 Continuous Assessment Cards produced by OYOSUBEB

In addition to textbooks, the programme also delivered 6,675 school bags, 6,675 pairs of sandals, 6,675 exercise books, 6,675 pencils and 6,000 pairs of BESDA sandals to support vulnerable learners.

Dr. Adeniran emphasised that the materials are meant for immediate classroom use, not storage, urging head teachers and principals to ensure proper distribution and accountability.

“These materials are not for storage but for active classroom use. Their impact will be measured by improved academic performance and better learning outcomes,” he stated.

Representing UBEC, its Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, said the intervention reflects renewed commitment to quality, inclusive and equitable basic education nationwide. She noted that the programme aligns with the education priorities of Bola Tinubu, which focus on strengthening literacy, numeracy and foundational skills at the basic education level.

UBEC disclosed that similar interventions are ongoing across the country, with plans to distribute 15 million school bags, sandals and writing materials nationwide to reduce financial pressure on families and encourage school enrolment and retention.

Also speaking, OYOSUBEB Executive Board member, Olukemi Adeosun, described the distribution as a strategic move to reposition basic education in the state, noting that access to up-to-date textbooks would help learners prepare ahead of lessons and support teachers in delivering effective instruction.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State, Raji Oladimeji, commended the state government for sustaining improvements in school infrastructure, teacher recruitment and welfare. He called on both teachers and pupils to make proper use of the materials to achieve measurable academic improvement.

Education stakeholders say the intervention is expected to ease learning costs for parents while improving classroom engagement and instructional quality across public schools in Oyo State.