Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the disbursement of the 2023/2024 OSOPADEC bursary to students from Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas who are currently enrolled in tertiary institutions.
This approval is set to offer financial relief to students from the State’s oil-producing communities, helping to ease the economic burden of higher education.
This update was revealed on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the National Association of Ilaje Students (NAIS) to the Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye.
During the meeting, Prince Poroye announced the Governor’s decision and highlighted the administration’s dedication to promoting educational development in the oil-producing regions.
“The bursary fund is already in OSOPADEC. I personally took the file to Mr. Governor and he gave express approval. The money is here with us,” Poroye said, confirming that the fund has been secured and is ready for disbursement.
He emphasized that the bursary disbursement reflects the Governor’s commitment to students’ academic advancement and their overall welfare, especially those from communities directly affected by oil production.
According to Poroye, this immediate release of funds signals the state government’s proactive approach and sensitivity to the financial needs of students.
He also hinted at the continuity of the initiative, assuring that the 2024/2025 bursary would be paid without delay. This assurance reinforces confidence among students that the current administration is focused on timely education support.
In an additional gesture of support, Poroye pledged a full scholarship to one indigent student at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH), located in Okitipupa. He encouraged the student body to select a deserving candidate under their proposed welfare scheme.
“I can assure you of a full scholarship for one student at OSUSTECH, but he or she must be someone helpless and truly in need,” Poroye stated.
He went on to praise the NAIS leadership for adopting a mature and peaceful approach in their engagement with the Commission. Instead of resorting to protest, the student body chose a strategy of dialogue and mutual respect.
“You chose dialogue over protest, and that shows leadership, a rare kind of wisdom that prioritizes peace over conflict, and progress over disruption. It reflects your deep understanding that true leaders seek solutions, not standoffs; unity, not division,” he said.
Poroye reaffirmed OSOPADEC’s readiness to support the 2025 edition of the Students’ Leadership Summit, adding that the Commission would actively participate in organizing and funding the event. This initiative aligns with the broader vision of empowering students through leadership and educational programs.
On matters of security, Poroye highlighted the involvement of security agencies in the oil-producing areas, noting that their presence has been instrumental in maintaining peace. He credited Governor Aiyedatiwa for fostering a secure environment through active community engagement and prompt responses to issues affecting local communities.
“The peaceful atmosphere we enjoy today in the mandate areas is due to Mr. Governor’s strategic and people-focused leadership,” he noted.
In a move to further strengthen cultural identity and unity, Poroye proposed the introduction of a National Ilaje Day. He suggested that this annual event be rotated across tertiary institutions in Nigeria to showcase Ilaje heritage, leadership, and student unity.
According to him, “National Ilaje Day will serve as a symbol of our unity and pride. It will help foster a stronger sense of community among Ilaje students, both at home and in the diaspora.”
The meeting also featured remarks from Comrade Kayode Ebiseni, the Director of Community Welfare, who described the bursary approval as a landmark achievement for OSOPADEC. He emphasized the speed and transparency of the current process.
“This is the fastest approval in the history of the OSOPADEC Bursary Scheme since 2004. It shows that we now have a leadership that is proactive, responsive, and focused on student welfare,” Ebiseni stated.
Earlier in the session, NAIS President, Comrade Amuwa Franklin Olabode, congratulated Prince Poroye on his appointment. He presented a list of student demands which included welfare packages, transportation support, and broader access to scholarship programs. He expressed appreciation for the Chairman’s openness and willingness to listen to the students’ needs.
Also present at the meeting were key figures from the Commission, including Hon. Mallon Ogbaro, Executive Director of Finance; Dr. Olujimi Kufo, Executive Director of Projects; Ap. Sola Orisamoluwa, Director of Administration and Supplies; along with other top management staff.