We Will Complete The Renovation And Rehabilitation Of The Shortlisted Seven Additional Schools That Are Already Participating In The Start Them Early Program (STEP) To Make A Total Of 13 Rehabilitated Schools Within Four Years Of Being Re-elected

Governor Seyi Makinde's pledge to complete the renovation and rehabilitation of seven additional schools under the Start Them Early Program (STEP) to make a total of 13 rehabilitated schools within four years of his re-election remains unimplemented with official government tracking documents even classifying the promise as "not yet commenced,". The STEP program, a collaboration between the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), trains secondary school students in laboratory science, mechanization, ICT, crop production, livestock management, and value addition.​

Field observations from a 2024 academic study revealed significant challenges in the program's implementation across the 13 schools. Two schools—Adegun Asake Grammar School in Igangan and Apode High School in Eruwa—lack the required equipment and gadgets to effectively execute the program. Additionally, not all enterprises are functional even in schools where the program runs smoothly, and some facilities are deteriorating, such as the laboratory at UMCA Secondary Grammar School where walls have cracked and ceilings are falling. The 13 schools include Fasola Grammar School, Bishop Phillips Academy, Methodist High School, Christ High School Oleyo, Mount Olivet Grammar School, Wesley College of Science, and others across Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Saki, Igboho, Eruwa, Igangan, Iresaadu, and Igbeti.​

Stakeholders and education observers continue to await the fulfillment of the governor's specific commitment to comprehensively renovate and rehabilitate the 13 STEP program schools.