PERSPECTIVE: Aregbesola’s 72 School Buildings Resurface In Debate Over Abia’s N7bn Smart Schools
- By JOHN ADEYEMO
THE achievements of former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, in the education sector have once again come under the spotlight, following growing debates around the ₦7 billion smart school projects of the Abia State government under Governor Alex Otti. Many commentators have drawn comparisons between Aregbesola’s legacy of 72 school buildings and the current controversies surrounding Abia’s projects.
Between 2010 and 2018, during his two-term tenure as governor of Osun State, Aregbesola embarked on an ambitious education infrastructure programme. He initiated the construction of 72 new schools across the state, with designs that featured modern architecture, well-furnished classrooms, and improved facilities for students and teachers. These projects were hailed at the time as a model for addressing educational infrastructure gaps in Nigeria.
The renewed conversation began after images of the Abia State smart school projects surfaced online, sparking criticisms from citizens who questioned the cost-effectiveness and quality of the work. Critics quickly contrasted the ongoing Abia project with what Aregbesola achieved with less publicity but wider reach during his administration.
Observers argue that while Aregbesola’s administration was not without controversies, his focus on building schools was tangible and visible. The former governor resisted the temptation of investing in mere image projects. Instead, his investments targeted structures that became learning-friendly environments. The schools were equipped with laboratories, libraries, and recreational facilities to provide a holistic learning experience for children in Osun.
Education stakeholders have described Aregbesola’s approach as visionary, especially at a time when many states relied heavily on “miracle centres” to produce artificial examination results. Instead of encouraging such shortcuts, he invested in durable infrastructure that could enhance genuine learning and academic growth.
Citizens in Osun who benefitted from the schools built between 2010 and 2018 continue to praise the initiative. Some parents have recounted how the new schools restored confidence in public education and reduced the mass movement of children to private institutions. This stands in stark contrast to the criticisms currently trailing the Abia smart school projects.
In online discussions, several commentators have openly called for accountability in the Abia project, questioning how ₦7 billion could produce what many see as underwhelming outcomes. They point to Aregbesola’s achievement of building 72 schools over eight years as a benchmark for measuring the efficiency of governance in education.
Education analysts further highlight that Aregbesola’s strategy was not just about numbers but also about ensuring that every senatorial district in Osun had access to world-class learning facilities. His administration classified the schools into elementary, middle, and high school categories, ensuring inclusivity across different educational levels.
Beyond the physical buildings, Aregbesola complemented his school infrastructure drive with policies aimed at boosting literacy and academic performance. Initiatives like the Opon Imo (Tablet of Knowledge) programme introduced digital learning tools to thousands of students, further proving his administration’s commitment to innovation in education.
Comparatively, the Abia smart school project, though still in its early stages, is already facing backlash over alleged poor implementation. Many Nigerians insist that the transparency and long-term planning that characterized Aregbesola’s projects should be the guiding principles for any education initiative, particularly those with such hefty price tags.
Supporters of the former Osun governor argue that his legacy is proof that with genuine political will, quality education infrastructure can be delivered at a sustainable cost. They insist that the lessons from his era should guide present and future leaders on how best to channel resources in the interest of students.
For Abia, the controversy has created an opportunity for deeper scrutiny of governance and project execution. Citizens are demanding more detailed breakdowns of how the ₦7 billion smart school funds were allocated and why the results appear disproportionate to the investment.
Meanwhile, the debate continues to ripple across social media and public forums, with Aregbesola’s name frequently mentioned as a reference point for impactful governance in education. His 72 school buildings stand as visible monuments to what many consider prudent and people-oriented leadership.
As the Abia government faces rising pressure to justify its spending, education watchers believe the comparison with Osun’s past experience may yet force a rethink in how public funds are managed in education. In the end, citizens hope that leaders across Nigeria will draw inspiration from models like Aregbesola’s, where accountability, innovation, and sustainability were at the heart of education development.
The opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of the author. It does not represent the editorial position or opinion of OSUN DEFENDER.
