By Precious Oluwole

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s committment to the welfare of students across the State.

Addressing them at the Cocoa conference hall on Tuesday, the Governor stated that the students, as the future leaders of the state and the country at large, their well being is the priority of any government.

The Governor further stressed that their requests, ranging from insecurity to infrastructural and abandoned project would be looked into and given necessary and quick attention.

He said “I’ve heard your requests and demands. Regarding employment, I request that each student body submit five CVs. If you pass a CBT test, you will be employed automatically.”

“Regarding mobility, providing a bus will be seriously considered. Despite the challenges posed by the increase in the dollar rate, negotiations are ongoing, and buses will be available soon.”

“Concerning polling units on campuses, we will coordinate with INEC to ensure everything is in order. If you need additional support, the state will do its utmost to assist the student bodies.” He added

The governor also addressed the electricity issue, stating that discussions are underway and the Ministry of Energy is working on alternative solutions. Regarding bursaries and scholarships, he assured that qualified students would receive scholarships. He also noted that the accreditation of courses in some institutions would be reviewed.

On the issue of cultism, the governor urged student bodies to take an active role in reporting any suspicious activities to security agencies, thereby aiding their efforts to maintain safety.

Finally, the governor urged the students to become wealth creators, stating that the government cannot achieve this alone. He emphasized that with the support of young entrepreneurs and wealth creators, progress would be easier. He noted that education equips them with the knowledge and skills, but the ultimate goal is to be wealth creators.

Earlier in a unified message, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Ondo State Chapter, represented by Abiola Victor; the National Association of University Students, represented by Akerele Greatness; the Student Union Government presidents from all tertiary institutions in the State, represented by Adegoriola Abejoye; and Babatunde Excel, speaking for students across the 18 local government areas, highlighted several pressing issues.

They emphasized the insecurity on various campuses, particularly at Adekunle Ajasin University, and urgently appealed to the governor for intervention. They also raised concerns about the problem of accreditation at institutions like UNIMED and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, and requested the governor’s support.

The students pointed out infrastructure issues and unfinished projects, especially those by OSOPADEC and NDDC, and called for the governor’s attention. They also appealed for the reinstatement of bursary and scholarship programs and requested action on electricity problems affecting students.

Regarding unemployment, they urged the governor to create more job opportunities for graduates in Ondo State. Additionally, they asked for the provision of a bus to ease transportation for student bodies.

Finally, they addressed the issue of polling units within campuses, noting that parents might want their children to come home during elections. They requested the governor provide support to enable students to stay on campus and vote.

The Students bodies included; National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) Ondo State Chapter, National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) and National Association of University Students(NAUS), Ondo State Chapter

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, commissioner for information, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on student affairs, Mr Kelvin Solomon Olaolu