…..Reaffirms commitment to education, human capital development
By Tolulope Eniola
Ondo State Govenor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, flagged off the award of bursary, scholarship and financial assistance to students of ondo state origin in tertiary institutions across the country.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony held at the Conference hall, Akure, the Govenor noted that education is the seed from which every great society blossoms and the foundation of sustainable development and the bridge between human potential and progress.
“For us in Ondo State, education is not merely a social service; it is a strategic investment in our children, our communities and the future of our State. This is why Educational Advancement and Human Capital Development remain central to the “OUR EASE” development Agenda.
“The greatest asset of any society is its human resources. The quality of the future we build for Ondo State will, to a great extent, be determined by the knowledge, skills, character and opportunities we impact in our young people today. Our commitment to education is reflected in the deliberate interventions of our administration across the sector”.
He added that the 2026 Budget of Economic Consolidation provides substantial resources for education, including the construction and rehabilitation of 500 basic schools across the State, in determination to provide safe, functional and conducive learning environments for the children.
“We have also commenced our Digital Literacy Programme, through which digital tablets are being distributed to students in 50 public schools across the State. This is intended to equip our students with the digital skills required to navigate an increasingly technology-driven world and ensure that the children of Ondo State are not left behind in innovation and emerging opportunities.
“We are equally investing in our teachers, knowing that no education system can rise above the quality and dedication of those who deliver it. Recently, we recognised outstanding students, teachers and NYSC award recipients”.
He stressed that Fifty-four students who scored above 300 in the 2026 UTME were honoured, alongside students who represented Ondo State and Nigeria in academic competitions.
“We also approved automatic employment into the Ondo State Public Service for seven recipients of the NYSC National Award. These are deliberate affirmations that excellence, hard work, discipline and service will be recognised and rewarded.
“At the tertiary level, we have commenced significant steps towards transforming Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into the proposed University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Owo (UNASTO), with the vision of strengthening education and research in Agriculture, Science and Technology and contributing to the economic transformation of our State. We have also approved the establishment of College of Nursing at Igbokoda and College of Education at Aboto to bridge the gaps in our educational system. We are working assiduously to ensure their take off.
“We understand the financial pressures confronting families and students pursuing tertiary education. Government cannot afford to ignore these realities. Accordingly, ₦400 million has been approved for this year’s intervention, benefiting 13,360 students. This comprises 11,907 bursary beneficiaries, 614 scholarship beneficiaries, 239 Law School students, 500 Medical students undertaking clinical training and 100 physically challenged students receiving targeted financial assistance.”
Aiyedatiwa opined that the intervention is more than financial assistance. It is a demonstration of his administration’s commitment and declaration that poverty must not extinguish potential and that financial hardship must not stand between a deserving young person and his or her educational aspiration. Every Naira committed is an investment in human capacity and ultimately, in the future of Ondo State.
He urged the students to regard the support as both a privilege and a responsibility. Remain focused, pursue excellence and make the most of every opportunity. “You are ambassadors of Ondo State wherever you may find yourselves. Uphold discipline, integrity, diligence, respect and responsibility. Be innovative, remain teachable and strive to become useful to yourselves, your families, your communities and indeed, our country.”
He commended parents and guardians for their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to the education of your children and wards. Behind every successful student is often a story of sacrifice that may never be seen.
He urged them to continue to guide, encourage and instill in their children the virtues of character and responsible citizenship.
He also commended the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Ondo State Scholarship Board, our tertiary institutions and all stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the programme and to overall educational policies and programmes.
“We envision an Ondo State where no child is denied the opportunity to learn because of poverty; where teachers are respected and motivated; where schools are safe and conducive; where students have access to technology; and where excellence is recognised and rewarded”.
The Govenor congratulated all the beneficiaries and wished them outstanding success in their academic pursuits.
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun Stated that the significant initiative is a clear demonstration of the unwavering commitment of Govenor Aiyedatiwa to the Educational Development, Welfare and Empowerment of students of Ondo State Origin.
He noted that Education is a cornerstone of National development and a powerful instrument for social, economic and technological transformation.
“As the Honorable Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, I am deeply conscious of the pivotal role education plays in shaping the future of our state and nation at large”.
He emphasized that the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa firmly believes that access to quality education should never be hindered by financial constraints.
“It is in this spirit and under the visionary leadership of Govenor Aiyedatiwa, that Ondo state is investing in the education of our young people and laying the foundation for a more prosperous and progressive Ondo State.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, for his gracious approval of the sum of Four Hundred Million Naira (N400,000,000.00) for the payment of 2026 Bursary, Scholarship and Financial Assistance to our students in various tertiary institutions across the country.
“Without his approval and the release of the fund, this gathering would not have been possible. This generous intervention is a clear demonstration of His Excellency’s passion for the welfare of our students and his unwavering commitment to the development of our youths who, to a large extent, represent the future of our dear sunshine state and the nation at large”.
He stressed that the occasion represents more than just provision of financial support, it reflects the Governor’s dedication to renewing hope and investing in our teacher’s, change-makers and professionals.
“We have no doubt that the beneficiaries of this year’s disbursement, will justify this investment through their hard work, dedication and excellence in their academic pursuits”.
He noted other initiatives of Govenor Aiyedatiwa, including; the approval and release of Six Hundred and Thirty-Three Million, Nine Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Naira only (N633,918,000.00) for the payment of the 2026 WASSCE registration fees for students in public secondary schools across the State, in addition to the award of Ni million each to Ondo State students who performed excellently well in the 2026 JAMB and those that represented Nigeria at international competitions; approval of immediate implementation of FGN Agreement with unions on new salary structure in our tertiary institutions, with substantial increase in the subvention to the Ondo State tertiary institutions to implement the new salary structure.
“These and many other interventions underscore the administration’s unwavering commitment to accessible, quality and equitable education, as well the sustainable development of human capital in Ondo State.
“To our dear students, who are the recipients of the Scholarship, Bursary and Financial Assistance, your achievements are a source of inspiration to us all and it is our duty to support and encourage your academic pursuits”.
He urged the beneficiaries to make the best of this rare opportunity. “Let it serve as a catalyst for your academic and professional growth. Strive for excellence, be diligent in your studies and remain focused on your goals. Your success will not only be a source of pride for your families and communities but also a testament to the effectiveness of the government’s investment in the education sector.
“As we embark on this journey of academic support and empowerment, let us remember that education is the key to unlocking the potential of our youth and building a brighter future for Ondo State”, he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Scholarship Board, Mrs Funsho Tunji-Omoniyi noted that the event was another significant milestone in the administration of Govenor Aiyedatiwa, particularly in the area of Education and Human Capital Development as encapsulated in “OUR EASE” Agenda.
According to her, the disbursement is a deliberate investment in the intellectual capacity, future and wellbeing of the students, recognising that the quality of Education available to young people today will invariably determine the quality of leadership, innovation and development to be experienced in the future.
“This epoch-making ceremony, is a symbolic presentation of cheques to few students who are the representatives of thousands of our students, who are benefiting from this award of Scholarship/Bursary and Financial Assistance”.
She appreciated the Governor for his visionary leadership, prompt intervention, unwavering support and passionate commitment to the advancement of Education in the State.
She added that the approval and release of funds for the implementation of the programme is a clear demonstration of the priority accorded to Education by this administration.
“Under this intervention, a total of Thirteen Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty (13,360) students of Ondo State origin across recognised tertiary institutions in Nigeria are expected to benefit”.
She opined that the scheme is divided into five categories: Scholarship Awards to students with CGPA of 4.0 and above for Institutions on a scale of 5.0 and 3.0 for Institutions on a scale of 4.0 @ 100,000.00 per student; Bursary disbursement to students @ 20,000.00 per student; Financial Assistance to students in the Nigerian Law Schools @100,000.00 per student; Financial Assistance for Medical Students on Clinical Studies @ N100,000.00 per student; Financial Assistance to Physically Challenged students @N75,000.00 per student.
She urged the beneficiaries of the programme to regard the intervention not merely as financial assistance but as a profound investment in your future and a demonstration of the confidence which the Government and people of Ondo State have reposed in their abilities and potential.
“You are therefore encouraged to reciprocate this gesture through academic diligence, discipline, integrity and a steadfast commitment to excellence.”
She also appreciated the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, for his invaluable counsel, unwavering support and commitment to the successful implementation of the programme.
Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Scholarship, Samad Orijeminiyi, said the state was considering a dedicated mobile application to create a digital registry of indigenes studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Orijeminiyi said he was already discussing the proposed application with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), adding that it would identify, verify, centralise and manage students’ profiles.
He said the platform would function as a digital registry and scholarship management system, making student support more reliable, inclusive, data-driven and resistant to fraud.
According to him, the initiative would expand the reach of educational interventions, reduce administrative costs, increase student participation and provide data for policies addressing students’ needs.
He said it would also eliminate repeated submission of student profiles by creating verifiable records, reducing multiple screening processes and preserving institutional memory.
Orijeminiyi said the database would provide information on students by campuses, disciplines and geographical locations, noting that the state currently did not know how many of its students were in Ondo South or Ondo North.
He said reliable data was necessary to determine whether students were moving towards emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy and digital infrastructure.
The governor’s aide added that the platform could help attract greater Corporate Social Responsibility investment from private corporations by providing reliable data on students and their actual needs.
In her address, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Scholarship Board, Mrs Funsho Tunji-Omoniyi noted that the event was another significant milestone in the administration of Govenor Aiyedatiwa, particularly in the area of Education and Human Capital Development as encapsulated in “OUR EASE” Agenda.
According to her, the disbursement is a deliberate investment in the intellectual capacity, future and wellbeing of the students, recognising that the quality of Education available to young people today will invariably determine the quality of leadership, innovation and development to be experienced in the future.
“This epoch-making ceremony, is a symbolic presentation of cheques to few students who are the representatives of thousands of our students, who are benefiting from this award of Scholarship/Bursary and Financial Assistance”.
She appreciated the Governor for his visionary leadership, prompt intervention, unwavering support and passionate commitment to the advancement of Education in the State.
She added that the approval and release of funds for the implementation of the programme is a clear demonstration of the priority accorded to Education by this administration.
“Under this intervention, a total of Thirteen Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty (13,360) students of Ondo State origin across recognised tertiary institutions in Nigeria are expected to benefit”.
She opined that the scheme is divided into five categories: Scholarship Awards to students with CGPA of 4.0 and above for Institutions on a scale of 5.0 and 3.0 for Institutions on a scale of 4.0 @ 100,000.00 per student; Bursary disbursement to students @ 20,000.00 per student; Financial Assistance to students in the Nigerian Law Schools @100,000.00 per student; Financial Assistance for Medical Students on Clinical Studies @ N100,000.00 per student; Financial Assistance to Physically Challenged students @N75,000.00 per student.
She urged the beneficiaries of the programme to regard the intervention not merely as financial assistance but as a profound investment in your future and a demonstration of the confidence which the Government and people of Ondo State have reposed in their abilities and potential.
“You are therefore encouraged to reciprocate this gesture through academic diligence, discipline, integrity and a steadfast commitment to excellence.”
She also appreciated the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, for his invaluable counsel, unwavering support and commitment to the successful implementation of the programme.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Global President of the National Association of Ondo State Students, Comrade Temitope Alade, has commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to the welfare and educational development of students in the state.
Alade described the governor as a “father of action and impact”, citing his interventions in the education sector.
He recalled that Governor Aiyedatiwa had, the previous year, promised to provide free scholarships to students and had subsequently backed the promise with concrete action.
According to him, the intervention had strengthened students’ confidence in the state leadership and would help beneficiaries pursue their education with reduced financial burden.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, represented by the member representing Okitipupa Constituency I, Hon Chris Ayebusiwa; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya; members of the State Executive Council; political appointees; Director-General, OSRC Media Group, Mr Kenneth Stevenson-Odusola; Permanent Secretaries, among others.
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