Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has begun the disbursement of over three hundred and fifty million naira to indigenous students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria to ease the financial burden on students and their sponsors.
The initiative was officially launched on Tuesday in Akure, where Governor Aiyedatiwa described the scheme as a major step toward revitalizing education and motivating students to pursue academic excellence. Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor said his administration remains committed to educational advancement and human capital development in the state.
According to him, “The year 2025 has been a remarkable chapter in our educational journey, as our interventions have continued to transform lives, institutions and communities across Ondo State. In this sector alone, our administration has recorded significant strides through various programmes and projects.”
He added that the bursary, scholarship, and financial assistance programme, which will benefit 11,358 students, demonstrates his government’s deep concern for the welfare of students. “We recognise the challenges that many of our students face and through this initiative, we are determined to ensure that no child of Ondo State is denied education due to financial hardship. This is also an intentional policy of our administration in helping to minimise the financial burden of parents towards their children in various tertiary institutions,” the governor said.
He encouraged students to remain disciplined, honest, and hardworking while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a strong education system that empowers and supports every student.
Administrative Secretary of the State Scholarship Board, Funso Omoniyi, explained that the scheme is divided into five categories, including scholarship awards for outstanding students, financial assistance to law students in the Nigerian Law School, support for medical students undergoing clinical studies, and financial aid for physically challenged students.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, revealed that the state government has approved and released funds for several educational interventions, including the payment of WASSCE registration fees.
The National President of the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS), Temitope Alade, expressed appreciation to the governor for his commitment to students’ welfare and advised students to maintain good conduct in their institutions.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Ondo State APC Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osemaye; and Special Adviser on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo.
