Female students writing the Basic Education Certificate Examination will be allowed movement until 5 p.m. on the festival’s final day.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has approved a slight modification to the 2026 Oro Festival schedule to accommodate students sitting for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The week-long festival commenced on Thursday, July 23, and will end on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
The monarch’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, disclosed in a statement issued in Ibadan that the adjustment became necessary because the national examination for Junior Secondary School Three (Basic 9) students coincides with the festival.
According to the statement, the BECE is administered by state Ministries of Education, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO), depending on the region.
Announcing the modification, the Baale of Jabata, Orowale Ajani, said the restriction of movement traditionally placed on females on the festival’s final day has been relaxed to enable affected students to write their examinations.
He explained that female students will now be permitted to move freely until 5 p.m. on July 29 before the restriction takes effect.
The adjustment, he noted, reflects the Alaafin’s commitment to preserving cultural traditions while supporting the educational aspirations of young learners in the ancient town.