In a bold move aimed at restoring discipline and improving academic performance in Oyo State secondary schools, the Member representing Akinyele Constituency I in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiola Monsuru Olalekan, has called for a total ban on the use of personal mobile phones by students during school hours.
Rising under matters of urgent public importance during plenary, Hon. Olalekan who also chairs the House Committee on Establishment, Training and Poverty Alleviation, moved a motion titled “Need to Ban the Use of Mobile Phones in Secondary Schools in Oyo State to Improve Student Discipline and Academic Performance.”
The lawmaker expressed deep concern over the increasing misuse of mobile phones among secondary school students, noting that their unchecked use has led to serious distractions, a decline in reading culture, social media addiction, cyberbullying, examination malpractice, and exposure to inappropriate content.
“Teachers and school administrators have continually raised red flags about the negative impact of mobile phones on learning.
Students now smuggle phones into examination halls to cheat, access inappropriate content, and even engage in sexting and cybercrimes,” Hon. Olalekan stated.
Citing studies and examples from institutions that have successfully enforced similar bans, the lawmaker emphasized that limiting access to personal phones during school hours helps students concentrate better, enhances academic outcomes, and promotes overall discipline.
He further reassured parents that communication between students and their families can still be maintained through official school channels during emergencies, thereby eliminating the need for personal devices in classrooms.
“Structured technology use should be encouraged, but within regulated boundaries,” he added.
“We must act now to prevent a generation of young people whose academic growth and moral development are being eroded by digital distractions.”
The motion was resolved as follows:
- The Executive Arm of Government, through the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, should enforce a ban on the use of personal mobile phones by students in all public and private secondary schools across Oyo State during school hours.
- School authorities should establish official communication channels to enable parents to reach their wards in emergencies without disrupting academic activities.
- The House Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary) should interface with school administrators, PTA bodies, and key stakeholders in education to develop policies that support discipline and responsible technology use in schools.
The motion is expected to spark statewide conversations on finding a balance between digital access and academic discipline in secondary education.
