The Ogun State Government and the state chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have disagreed over a memo issued by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) on September 15, 2025, directing private donors to seek approval before carrying out projects in public primary schools.

The ADC accused the government of frustrating efforts to develop basic education, describing the memo as an attempt to “kill basic education” and discourage well-meaning individuals from supporting schools.

In a statement on Sunday, ADC State Chairman, Otunba Femi Soluade, criticised the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration for what he described as an attempt to deepen the rot in the education sector.

He argued that the memo violates the rights of children guaranteed under the Universal Basic Education Act, 2004, and the Child Rights Act, 2003, which empower schools to receive interventions and donations from individuals and organisations.

Soluade lamented the poor state of some public primary schools in the state, alleging that pupils were forced to carry desks and chairs on their heads to school.

“We received with utter dismay the disparaging memo authorising ‘approval’ before any donor or humanitarian institution can assist public primary schools. This shocking directive is nothing short of an attempt to kill basic education support in Ogun State,” Soluade said.

He further accused the government of politicising education and “betraying the state’s future,” warning that such policies could jeopardise the academic potential of pupils.

However, the state government dismissed ADC’s claims as politically motivated.

In a swift reaction, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described Soluade’s comments as “illogical and illiterate,” insisting that the government welcomes philanthropic projects but requires donors to follow due process.

“The Ogun State Government welcomes corporate social responsibility and philanthropic efforts to support primary schools. What it is against is individuals or organisations invading schools and declaring projects without consulting the relevant authorities,” Akinmade said.

He stressed that obtaining approval from SUBEB was a legal requirement and not an attempt to stifle development.

“No individual has the right to embark on any project in government schools without consulting SUBEB; that is the law. Once intentions are genuine, the authorities will never deny permission. This process ensures proper coordination and prevents indiscriminate construction for political clout,” Akinmade added.

He accused ADC of seeking cheap publicity, describing it as a “rookie party” trying to gain relevance by misinforming the public.