By Duchess Ifeoluwa
Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of students and upgrading school infrastructure across the state, pledging renewed investment in technical education, hostels, and transport facilities for tertiary institutions.
Speaking during a meeting with student leaders at the Governor’s Office, Akure, on Tuesday, Aiyedatiwa commended the maturity and responsible conduct of student unions, noting that the prevailing peace in the education sector was a result of their discipline and constructive engagement.
He said that since he assumed office, there had been no reports of unrest or violent agitation within the student community, a development he described as commendable.
“I want to commend all of you for the way and manner you have been conducting yourselves. Since I became governor, there has been no student unrest as it were. You have engaged clearly without any form of violent agitation,” the governor said.
While acknowledging the economic hardship faced by citizens as a result of national reforms, Aiyedatiwa urged the students to remain patient, assuring them that the difficulties were temporary and that the policies were already yielding positive outcomes.
“It’s a temporary hardship that is easing up. The reforms are yielding results and benefits, and they are making the economy better. If these reforms had not been implemented, Nigeria would have been worse off today,” he added.
The governor emphasised the need for collaboration to tackle the accommodation challenges confronting students, stating that government alone could not meet all needs. He called on private investors to build hostels within and around campuses to complement government efforts and enhance student security.
“The government cannot provide everything. Resources are limited. That’s why we are calling on investors to build hostels for students on or near campuses. It’s a viable venture that will also enhance student security,” he said.
Highlighting ongoing and completed infrastructure projects, Aiyedatiwa mentioned the reconstruction of the Akungba–Ikare road, explaining that the initiative was aimed at curbing frequent accidents and stimulating local commerce.
“We had to reconstruct that road because of the high rate of accidents near Akungba University. It’s a technical road, but we’ve started it and we will complete it,” he assured.
The governor reiterated his administration’s renewed focus on technical and vocational education, describing it as vital to industrial growth and job creation.
“We are paying more attention to technical education. Investors are coming, and they will need skilled labour,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa further pledged to address the electricity supply challenges at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), to improve academic and research productivity.
He also announced the approval of five new buses for student bodies across tertiary institutions in the state, assuring that more would be provided subsequently.
The governor reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting education and youth development through scholarships, grants and other financial interventions.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi, commended the governor’s sustained engagement with young people, describing him as a listening leader genuinely concerned about their growth.
He lauded Aiyedatiwa for approving bursaries and scholarships in double folds for the first time in the state’s history and for initiating the under-17 football competition to foster youth empowerment.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Kelvin Solomon Olaolu, also expressed appreciation for the governor’s calm leadership and unwavering support for the student community.
“In the history of student unionism in this state, we have maintained peace and order because of your leadership style. You have been a father to us, and we appreciate your efforts in increasing bus allocations and extending support to private institutions,” he said.
Student leaders from across the state used the meeting to appeal to the government to address challenges facing tertiary institutions, particularly in the areas of transportation, security and welfare.
The President of the Niger Delta Students’ Union, Martins Ayemoluwa, urged the government to view the Niger Delta as a hub for innovation and investment rather than merely oil exploration, calling for improved solar energy initiatives and the establishment of a marine science project in the state.
The Chairperson of the National Female Students Association of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, Precious Ikuenomore, appealed for the prioritisation of female students’ safety, citing the unsafe distance of some hostels from the University of Medical Sciences campus.
Similarly, NANS JCC Chairman, Mayomi Adekanye, commended the governor’s efforts but urged consistency in addressing student concerns, particularly accommodation and transportation.
NAOSS President, Comrade Temitope Alade, called for the establishment of security outposts near campuses and the revival of NDDC scholarships, while NAUS Chairman, Comrade Adegoriola Abejoye, praised the governor for fulfilling 80 percent of previous promises but urged swift delivery of buses, road repairs and employment for student stakeholders.
Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo (SAN); Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro; Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Biyi Poroye; and several senior aides and representatives of student bodies.
