The primary and secondary schools, established in 1955 and 1977 respectively, have seen a drastic decline in student enrollment as families move away due to the destruction caused by rising tides.

Currently, the primary school is overcrowded with about 300 students in inadequate space, while the secondary school has seen its enrollment drop from 800-900 to just 409.

Samuel Oluwole, a 10-year-old boy from Ayetoro, exemplifies the plight of many children who have been forced to abandon their education due to environmental factors.

Despite efforts to build a shoreline protection project, these plans have not been executed, exacerbating the community's struggles.

The Ayetoro community in Ondo State, founded in 1947, has faced severe challenges due to ocean encroachment, losing approximately 10 kilometers of land over the past two decades.

For over 20 years, the community has battled erosion, resulting in significant losses of land and property, and forcing both primary and secondary schools to relocate multiple times.

Many children are unable to attend school as classrooms have been destroyed and access roads submerged, making education nearly impossible for some families.

Victor Akinluwa, the community's Public Relations Officer, highlighted the poor educational conditions, with schools lacking proper facilities and students facing hardships due to environmental challenges.

The principal of the secondary school noted the loss of educational resources and emphasized the urgent need for government action, as many teachers have left and facilities have been destroyed.

State officials, including SUBEB chairman Victor Olabimtan, have indicated plans to relocate and rebuild schools, but they stress that federal support is essential to address the ocean surge issues.

Community leaders have resorted to protests and letters to the government to draw attention to their plight, but responses have been inadequate, prompting calls for assistance from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole from OSOPADEC acknowledged ongoing efforts to protect the schools and community, while recognizing the enormity of the shoreline protection project needed.