Ondo education commissioner steps In to resolve St Louis’ Primary School crisis

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has intervened in the dispute between the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) and the management of St Louis’ Primary School, Ondo, which led to the closure of the school.

The reconciliation meeting was held on the school premises in Ondo West Local Government Area and included the school board, parents, PTA leaders, and officials from the Ministry of Education.

Representatives of the Ondo Catholic Diocese, including the Education Secretary, Rev. Fr. Valentine Omolakin, were also present.

Speaking through the diocese’s Education Secretary, the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, said the meeting was convened to heal the rift and restore stability to the school. He commended the ministry for what he described as a timely intervention, noting that dialogue was necessary to move the institution forward.

The commissioner, represented by the ministry’s Administrative Secretary, Dr. Akindele Ige, said the government was not interested in blaming any party but in restoring harmony among stakeholders. He stressed that the PTA remains an important partner in school administration but must operate strictly within its advisory role.

At the end of the meeting, Ajibefun directed that the school’s PTA be dissolved, insisting that due process must be followed in carrying out the directive. He also urged the head teacher to strengthen communication with stakeholders, adding that security matters remain the exclusive responsibility of the school management.