APC Slams Oyo State Government for Converting Library Structures into Shops

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the recent conversion of some structures housing the Oyo State Library Board in Ibadan into commercial spaces, calling the move unacceptable.

In a statement issued to Newsmen on Sunday, APC Publicity Secretary Wasiu Olawale Sadare criticized the action, which involved transforming buildings that housed a library and other public utilities into shops.

The APC described the action of the state government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, as “shameful,” “ill-conceived,” and “grossly unacceptable.”

The party expressed disbelief that a government would repurpose a library into commercial shops, highlighting the negative impact on public access to education and research.

“It is a sad reality that buildings, which once served as public libraries and archives in the Dugbe axis of Ibadan, have now been transformed into commercial and business structures,” the statement read.

“This move undermines education and research development in the state, reflecting the administration’s neglect of the issue of poor reading culture among students.”

The APC further pointed out that the concept of a “library” has become foreign to many students in Oyo State’s public schools due to the government’s failure to build or maintain such facilities.

“How can a government wake up one day and convert public reading facilities into lock-up shops, subjecting society to the dangers of illiteracy and ignorance?” the statement asked.