OYIGG Warns Adeleke over “Dangerous Political Desperation,” Condemns Use of Osun Pupils for Partisan Campaigns
The Osun Youth Initiative for Good Governance (OYIGG) has cautioned Governor Ademola Adeleke against what it described as “dangerous political desperation,” following a viral video showing pupils from several public schools chanting partisan campaign songs during a joint school assembly.
In a statement issued in Osogbo and signed by its Convener, Dr. Adeyemi Akande, the group said the development reflects the declining state of education under the current administration and an alleged attempt to indoctrinate minors with political propaganda rather than focus on academic development.
According to OYIGG, pupils from at least five public primary and secondary schools were recorded singing songs openly endorsing Governor Adeleke and urging voters to support him, a move the group said violates both Nigerian laws and international child protection frameworks that prohibit the exploitation of minors for political purposes.
“The assembly ground is traditionally reserved for moral instruction, civic orientation, and educational guidance. Turning it into a partisan campaign arena is political desperation taken too far,” Dr. Akande said.
The group accused the governor of presiding over worsened education standards, noting shortages of qualified teachers, alleged mass dismissal of educators without replacement, and rising dependence on coaching centres. It also raised concerns over alleged examination malpractice, “special centres,” and proxy examination practices linked to public school failure.
“You cannot give what you don’t have. The present administration lacks the expertise and sincerity to rescue Osun’s education sector,” OYIGG declared, warning elites and examination regulators not to be swayed by what it termed manipulated performance statistics.
The statement further recalled the alleged collection of ₦1,500 each from over 2,000 job applicants three years ago without employment or refunds, describing it as part of a broader pattern of failed promises.
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Parents of affected pupils were said to have expressed anger, accusing the state of betraying public trust by exposing schoolchildren to partisan manipulation.
OYIGG demanded urgent intervention from the Federal Ministry of Education to investigate the incident and sanction those responsible. It also urged WAEC, NECO, and JAMB to strengthen oversight mechanisms in Osun State to curb alleged malpractice.
The development has sparked fresh debate over the politicisation of public education in Osun, with critics warning that “turning schools into canvassing centres erodes the essence of learning and normalises political bias among children.”
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