Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and ADC governorship candidate, Dr. Najeem Salaam, has responded to concerns over the controversial school merger and reclassification policy implemented during a previous administration, assuring residents that his vision for education is inclusive, people-centred, and open to continuous review.

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Dr. Salaam made this clarification while responding to a question raised by an X user, @SuleJacob, who asked the former Speaker to explain his vision for the future of education in Osun State.

The user recalled that during Salaam’s tenure as Speaker, the House endorsed the merger and reclassification of schools, a policy that later attracted widespread criticism, and queried whether a similar approach would resurface if he assumed office.

In his response, Dr. Salaam explained that the policy was introduced at a time when he was a member of the ruling party and operated within a collective decision-making framework guided by the party’s manifesto and the principle of shared responsibility.

“It is important to clarify that at the time the school merger and reclassification policy was introduced, I was a member of the ruling party and operated within a collective framework,” he said, noting that the initiative was conceived with good intentions and not to impose hardship on students, parents, or teachers.

He, however, acknowledged that governance requires learning and adaptation, stressing that no policy should be regarded as infallible.

“Governance is a continuous learning process. No policy is cast in stone. Policies must be reviewed, evaluated, and improved based on outcomes, public feedback, and prevailing realities,” Salaam stated, adding that responsible leadership demands humility to reassess policies that fall short of their objectives.

Looking ahead, the ADC governorship candidate outlined a renewed vision for education in Osun State, anchored on inclusiveness, responsiveness, and the welfare of learners and educators.

“Going forward, my vision for education in Osun is one that is inclusive, people-centred, and responsive. It prioritises the welfare of our children and educators and embraces continuous review to ensure that our education system truly serves the best interests of present and future generations,” he said.

Dr. Salaam also welcomed public engagement and debate, describing constructive dialogue as essential to good governance and collective progress.

The exchange has since generated discussion on social media, particularly among stakeholders interested in education reform, as political conversations gradually intensify ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.