Ondo State governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the payment of bursaries and scholarships to students of the state origin in tertiary institutions and the Nigerian Law Schools.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a student stakeholders meeting held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Akure, the state capital.
The meeting which served as a platform for discussing pressing issues faced by students in the state, was attended by student leaders from various associations including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Association of University Students (NAUS), National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS), National Female Students Association, and other indigenous student associations.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, while responding to the requests of the student leaders, disclosed that the process for the payment of the bursaries and scholarships had already commenced and would be completed within a few weeks, leading to the disbursement of funds. This move is expected to provide significant financial relief to students, enhancing their ability to focus on their academic pursuits.
The Governor also addressed several other concerns raised by the student leaders. These included the provision of buses for student transportation, improvement of electricity supply and security on campuses, creation of employment opportunities for graduates, and the establishment of polling units within campus premises. He assured the students that his administration is committed to giving priority to the education sector and addressing the welfare of students and youths comprehensively.
Thanking the students for maintaining a peaceful demeanor, Governor Aiyedatiwa promised to look into all other requests made by the student leaders and address them promptly. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration between the government and the student body in resolving issues and advancing the interests of the students.
Earlier, representatives from the various student bodies presented a unified message highlighting several pressing issues while expressing their support for the Governor. Hammed Oyelade, President of the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS), Abiola Victor from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ondo State Chapter, Akerele Greatness from the National Association of University Students (NAUS), and Adegoriola Abejoye, speaking on behalf of Student Union Government presidents from all tertiary institutions in the State, voiced their concerns but affirmed their commitment to peaceful engagement. Babatunde Excel, representing students across the 18 local government areas, also assured the Governor that students would not participate in any planned protests.
The meeting concluded on a positive note with mutual commitments to address the highlighted issues and strengthen the collaboration between the state government and the student community for the betterment of education in Ondo State.