The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has proposed an increase in student bursary payments, with the recommendation already forwarded to the Ondo State Government for approval, in a renewed push to strengthen educational support across oil-producing communities.
This formed the central focus of the Commission’s engagement with student leaders from Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas, where discussions were anchored on improving access to financial support, enhancing transparency, and expanding the impact of existing education-focused interventions.
The meeting, which brought together stakeholders from the National Association of Ilaje Students (NAIS) and the Federation of Ese-Odo Local Government Students (FELGOS), provided a platform for detailed deliberation on bursary disbursement processes and the need to adjust current funding levels in line with present economic realities.
Addressing the gathering, OSOPADEC Executive Chairman, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, confirmed that the Commission had taken concrete steps towards reviewing bursary values, noting that a formal proposal had already been submitted to the state government for consideration.
He explained that the move was part of a broader strategy to ease the financial burden on students and ensure that beneficiaries receive more meaningful support.
According to him, “we have forwarded proposals for bursary increments to the state government. This is to ensure that our students are better supported in their academic pursuits.”
Poroye emphasised that the Commission is also leveraging technology to improve the efficiency and transparency of bursary administration, allowing beneficiaries to receive payment alerts seamlessly and without the usual bottlenecks.
He noted that these improvements are designed to build trust in the system while ensuring that funds reach the intended recipients promptly.
Beyond bursary increments, the Chairman reiterated that OSOPADEC’s intervention in the education sector remains comprehensive, combining financial support with infrastructure development and long-term empowerment strategies.
He disclosed that the Commission is working through public-private partnerships to deliver hostel facilities in key institutions, including Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, and Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, with provisions made to prioritise students from mandate areas.
At the same time, Poroye highlighted the Commission’s decision to focus resources on completing existing projects, particularly abandoned school and healthcare facilities in communities such as Mahin and Agadagba-Obon.
“We must ensure that existing projects are completed to serve the people effectively before embarking on new ones,” he said.
The Chairman also used the opportunity to encourage students to look beyond immediate financial assistance by embracing investment-driven opportunities, especially in real estate and other long-term ventures.
He revealed that land allocations had already been made in areas such as Alape in Ilaje Local Government and Osi in Akure North Local Government to support youth participation in wealth creation.
On welfare support, Poroye disclosed that the Commission had concluded plans to disburse ₦400 million in palliatives to residents of Obe-Nla, Obe-Adun, and Obe-Jedo, stressing that strict accountability measures would guide the process.
“Every kobo allocated will be accounted for. Public funds must serve the collective interest,” he stated.
In their responses, student leaders welcomed the proposed bursary increase and commended the Commission’s engagement approach.
National President of NAIS, Comrade Eyiwumi Dare Joshua, described the leadership style as inclusive and result-oriented, assuring continued cooperation from the student community.
Similarly, OSOPADEC Permanent Secretary, Mr Festus Adewale Omomowo, noted that the constructive engagement had strengthened mutual understanding, while Director of Community Welfare, Comrade Kayode Ebiseni, confirmed that the discussions also reviewed the 2023/2024 bursary scheme and initiated preparations for the 2024/2025 cycle, with renewed emphasis on improved delivery.
