Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education as a vital tool for development, announcing significant financial support for students in the state. Speaking during the official flag-off ceremony for the award of bursary, scholarship, and financial assistance to 11,200 students of Ondo State origin in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that education is the key to unlocking the potential of young people.
“Many of our students face significant financial challenges in pursuing their academic dreams. That is why we have these bursary and scholarship awards, as well as financial assistance, to provide support, alleviate financial burdens, and enable our students to focus on their studies,” Governor Aiyedatiwa stated. He added that the awards, totaling N335 million, are “a testament to our commitment to investing in the future of our State and our country.”
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The Governor announced an increase in the annual bursary for students from N10,000 to N20,000, while students with disabilities are set to receive N75,000 each, and scholarship beneficiaries will receive N100,000 each.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also highlighted several key initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education in Ondo State, including regular payments of WASSCE registration fees for public secondary school students, massive reconstruction and renovation of public schools, recruitment and training of teachers, and the digitalization of the education sector.
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In his remarks, Ademola Kolawole, Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Education, praised the Governor’s commitment to education, stating, “Investing in education will bring significant benefits to both the Ondo State government and the nation at large.”
Commissioner for Education, Olaolu Akindolire, echoed this sentiment, saying, “It is the government’s responsibility to support students, as their achievements both within and outside the country have been a source of pride for Ondo State.”
The President of the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS), Oyelade Ahmed, also expressed gratitude to the governor, noting that the initiative would alleviate financial burdens on countless families. “We have full confidence in the governor’s leadership,” he affirmed.