Oyo Police Command Urges Parents to Stay Vigilant as Schools Resume for the Academic Session

As schools across Nigeria reopen for the 2025/2026 academic session, the Oyo State Police Command has called on parents and guardians to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their children’s welfare.

In a statement released via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the police expressed concern over the increasing cases of child abuse, particularly against girls, and urged parents to pay close attention to warning signs from their children.

“The growing incidents of abuse, especially against girls, are alarming. Parents must remain alert and responsive to any behavioral changes or signs of distress in their children to prevent harm before it’s too late,” the Command stated.

Key Safety Advice for Parents

The Oyo State Police Command advised parents to:

• Build strong relationships with their children’s teachers and school staff.

• Familiarise themselves with school bus drivers, caregivers, and security personnel.

• Report suspicious activities or safety concerns immediately to the Oyo Police Control Room via +234 808 176 8614.

Schools Resume Nationwide

Across the country, primary and secondary schools officially resumed for the first term of the 2025/2026 academic calendar on September 15. Reports indicated mixed conditions: while some pupils returned to improved learning environments, others encountered dilapidated buildings and unkempt compounds.

In Oyo State, officials from the Ministry of Education dismissed rumours of a resumption delay, confirming that schools resumed as scheduled.

Meanwhile, Lagos State released its harmonised calendar, stating that the first half of the term will run from September 15 to October 31 (34 days), while the second half will cover November 10 to December 19 (30 days).

Government Encourages Pupils to Embrace Learning

The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, extended a goodwill message to students, urging them to take full advantage of the academic session.

“As you return to your classrooms, we encourage you to embrace this new session with enthusiasm, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge. May this year bring opportunities for growth, discovery, and excellence,” he said.

Parental Responsibility Beyond Academics

Both Oyo and Lagos education authorities reiterated that parents should not only focus on academic performance but also on the overall safety, wellbeing, and moral upbringing of their children—both within and outside school premises.