By Our Correspondent

National News – The Kwara State Government has inaugurated a dedicated committee to reclaim lands encroached upon by private individuals and organizations belonging to public secondary schools.

The initiative, aimed at safeguarding school properties, spans all three senatorial districts of the state.

Speaking at the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development headquarters in Ilorin, Commissioner Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Olanrewaju Rebecca Bake, emphasized the committee’s role in ensuring schools retain their legally designated learning spaces.

The committee will prioritize schools where formal complaints have been lodged by principals, communities, and Parent-Teacher Associations.

Its mandate includes mapping affected school lands, conducting physical inspections, documenting encroachments, and verifying land titles by cross-referencing original survey plans with digital records from the Kwara State Geographical Information Service (KWAGIS).

The government aims to protect school assets statewide and ensure learning environments are secure for students.

The initiative received commendation for highlighting the state’s commitment to education under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The committee’s six-week assignment will culminate in a comprehensive report outlining all recovery efforts.

The inauguration drew participation from representatives of the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission, the Kwara State Primary Education Board, KWAGIS, and the Ministry of Justice, reflecting a collaborative approach to tackling land encroachment and reinforcing the integrity of public school properties.

This proactive move by the Kwara government underscores the importance of protecting educational infrastructure and preventing illegal occupation of public school lands, contributing to a safer and more organized educational system across the state.