—distributes 75,000 textbooks, tablets to boost basic education

By Adedotun Ajayi

Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring every child in the state has equitable access to quality education and opportunities to thrive irrespective of background.

He gave the assurance on Thursday during the official flag-off ceremony for the distribution of instructional materials and sports equipment to public primary and junior secondary schools across the 18 local government areas of the state.

The event, held at St. James Mega Primary School, Irowo, Akure forms part of the implementation of the 2023 and 2024 UBEC/SUBEB intervention funds.

Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed that the event was not merely a symbolic handing over of books and equipment but a significant stride towards reshaping the educational landscape of Ondo State under the education component of his administration’s “OUR EASE” development agenda.

“This distribution represents our commitment to building a future where every child regardless of background has unfettered access to quality education,” the governor stated.

He disclosed that Ondo State has successfully accessed the UBEC/SUBEB fund up to 2024 enabling landmark infrastructural developments and procurement initiatives in the education sector.

“I am glad to inform you that Ondo State is one of the few states that have accessed the UBEC/SUBEB fund up to 2024 for developmental projects. We have embarked on massive infrastructural development programmes which include the renovation and construction of classrooms, provision of furniture and improvement of learning environments in our schools,” he said.

Among the accomplishments highlighted were the construction of classroom blocks in 43 schools, renovation works in 78 schools, procurement of over 8,000 pieces of learners’ furniture and over 1,000 units for teachers as well as the construction of ECCDE buildings, perimeter fencing and modern toilet facilities in various schools.

The governor also noted the recruitment of over 2,100 teachers for both primary and secondary schools alongside regular training for educators in Jolly Phonics, core subjects and digital literacy.

“This is aimed at making our educational system functional and enhancing our quest for technological development. Similarly, we have prioritised the training and capacity building of teachers recognising that no education system can rise above the quality of its teachers.”

“This commitment is reflected in the regular training programmes organised to equip our teachers with modern teaching methodologies and digital literacy skills. Our teachers have undergone a series of training and retraining in key areas such as Jolly Phonics, Sciences, Mathematics, English Language and digital literacy,” he added.

On instructional materials, the governor stated that the distribution included over 75,000 textbooks and library resources in English, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, History, National Values and Computer Studies. Android tablets preloaded with up-to-date educational content were also distributed.

Emphasising the importance of physical education, Aiyedatiwa lauded the state’s sterling performance in regional and national school sports competitions and announced the distribution of sports equipment such as football kits, chessboards, swimming kits, badminton rackets and table tennis sets to 52 basic schools.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our administration recognises the vital role of sports in the mental development of our children.

“It therefore did not come to us as a surprise that representatives of our dear state emerged OVERALL WINNER at the maiden edition of the South West Basic Education School Sports (BESS), held in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State in January 2024. In the same vein, Ondo State also emerged OVERALL WINNER at the National Basic Education School Sports (BESS) competition finals—‘Abuja 2024’—held in November 2024,” he said.

The governor further noted that the state government has consistently paid the WASSCE fees of eligible students to ease the financial burden on parents and to support learners’ academic advancement to higher institutions.

He added that the government continues to meet its obligations to state-owned tertiary institutions to ensure their effective functioning and competitiveness while also sustaining annual scholarship, bursary and financial assistance programmes for Ondo State indigenes in tertiary institutions across the country.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan expressed appreciation to the governor for prioritising education through sustained counterpart funding and policy support. He emphasised the board’s goal of achieving a 1:1 textbook-to-learner ratio and urged stakeholders to ensure judicious use of the distributed materials.

Similarly, UBEC State Coordinator, Adams Olanike represented by Aremo Ayodeji described the event as a demonstration of a collective commitment to strengthening the education sector.

He commended the Aiyedatiwa-led administration for consistently prioritising education in the state noting that the intervention would enhance the delivery of basic education, promote physical well-being and foster teamwork—critical components of holistic child development.

In his goodwill message, Friedrich Akintoroye who spoke on behalf of the Association of Primary School Health Teachers of Nigeria described the occasion as more than a mere distribution of resources but a reaffirmation of the governor’s dedication to the growth and transformation of the education sector.

He urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the instructional materials and sports equipment to achieve educational excellence pledging continued support for government efforts.

Also speaking, Sola Adubi who represented Alhaji Abimbola Omoloja, the State Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) commended the governor for initiatives that ease the burden on parents.

He stated that the distribution of learning and sports materials would provide much-needed relief to families and applauded other support measures such as the payment of WAEC bursaries, teacher recruitment, school renovations and the provision of free shuttle buses. He assured the governor of the PTA’s full cooperation in sustaining the state’s educational progress.

On his part, Dr Ade Omololu, Chairman of the Forum of Education Secretaries lauded the Aiyedatiwa-led administration for its proactive approach to supporting basic education through the timely release of counterpart funding. He revealed that the state’s commitment had recently led to the award of new infrastructure project contracts in schools. Dr Omololu also assured that the distributed materials would be equitably shared, properly utilised and well maintained for the benefit of learners across the state.

Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Mr Segun Omojuwa and Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip among others.