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| Professor Toyin Falola |
The appeal follows the tragic death of Oyedokun, who was killed while in the custody of kidnappers after he and dozens of pupils and fellow teachers were abducted during an attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. His death shocked Nigerians and drew widespread condemnation from education stakeholders, civil society groups, and the general public.
According to the cultural advocate, honouring the late teacher with a school bearing his name would preserve his legacy and serve as a lasting reminder of the commitment shown by educators who continue to work under difficult and often dangerous conditions.
He noted that teachers play a critical role in shaping society and deserve to be recognised, particularly when they make the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. Naming a school after Oyedokun, he argued, would inspire future generations of students and reinforce the value of service, courage, and dedication to education.
The late teacher was among those kidnapped when armed men stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area in May. During the attack, dozens of pupils and teachers were taken into captivity, throwing families and residents into weeks of anxiety as security agencies launched efforts to secure their release.
While many of the abducted victims were eventually rescued after spending nearly two months in captivity, Oyedokun did not survive the ordeal. His killing sparked nationwide outrage, with many Nigerians calling for stronger security measures to protect schools and prevent similar attacks in the future.
Following the successful rescue of the remaining victims, the teacher's family expressed mixed emotions, saying they were grateful that other families had been reunited with their loved ones but deeply saddened that their own relative would never return home.
The cultural advocate said the state government now has an opportunity to ensure that Oyedokun's memory is permanently preserved. He added that such recognition would not only honour the slain educator but also send a powerful message that the sacrifices of teachers will never be forgotten.
Beyond naming a school after him, he urged authorities to improve security around schools, especially those located in rural communities that have become vulnerable to attacks by criminal groups.
The appeal comes as discussions continue over school safety and the welfare of teachers across Nigeria. Many stakeholders have called on governments at all levels to strengthen security, provide better protection for educators, and ensure that schools remain safe places for learning.
Governor Makinde has previously expressed sympathy with the families affected by the abduction and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving security across Oyo State.