By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has assured student leaders that his administration is actively addressing their concerns following a protest staged in Akure by the Joint Campus Committee (JCC) of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The demonstration, held to highlight issues affecting educational institutions in the state, prompted a meeting between the governor and student representatives at his office on Thursday.
During the discussions, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the students for conducting a peaceful protest and reiterated his commitment to improving education and student welfare.
He noted that his government had already taken steps to tackle some of the grievances raised, including increasing subventions to tertiary institutions and disbursing bursaries and scholarships.
In a move to address infrastructural concerns, the governor directed the Ministry of Infrastructure to commence the rehabilitation of internal roads within educational institutions.
He disclosed that designs had already been completed for several roads leading to schools, including those at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.
Additionally, he disclosed that intervention agencies had been approached to expedite work on abandoned hostel projects in some institutions.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also instructed the management of the former Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, to begin preparations for the long-overdue convocation of graduates from the past ten academic sessions.
Addressing security concerns raised by the students, he assured them that relative peace had returned to the state, with security agencies working collaboratively to ensure the safety of lives and property.
Other issues discussed at the meeting included the renovation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp in Ikare Akoko, land disputes at the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, and the provision of buses for Students’ Union Governments.
The student leaders expressed their appreciation to the governor for his audience and his commitment to addressing their concerns.
The meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), Senior Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs, Mr Kelvin Solomon Olaolu, and Senior Special Assistant on Youth Empowerment, Mr Orioye Benedict Gbayisemore.
