By Kehinde Oluwatayo

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Ondo State Government on Tuesday disclosed that about four million naira had been approved for the year 2021 NABTEB fees for 209 final year students in the five technical colleges of the state.
It said it had earlier paid a sum of N360 million for the payment of 2021 WASSCE fee for students in public secondary schools.
The State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu stated this in Akure at the celebration of students who excelled at international and national competitions and state examinations during the 2020/2021 academic session.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Princess Oladunni Odu, Akeredolu said “You will recall that our government, at its inception in 2017, commenced various processes of reviving the education sector by organising an Education Summit where renowned educationists and stakeholders across the country gathered and planned the way forward in revitalising the sector in the State.
“As a way of implementing some of their recommendations, we decided to invest massively in the sector based on the necessity to justify our vision and set goals for desirable transformation through the provision of modern infrastructure for primary schools across all the 18 Local Government Areas of the State; and the massive renovations of public schools carried out in our primary schools across the State.
“It is, therefore, apposite to state that all these notable interventions have created an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning in our schools.
“These gestures have equally bridged the gap between the children of the rich and poor. I am glad to disclose that available statistics show that enrolment into public primary schools has greatly improved.
“You will recall that our administration has renewed its commitment to the payment of West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) fee for students in public secondary schools in the State, in spite of the dwindling State resources.
“It is a common knowledge that most states that had hitherto paid the WASSCE fees of their students had stopped such payment long before now.
“It is no exaggeration that our government cannot afford to watch the educational career of our students, especially the indigent ones truncated for lack of fund. To the glory of God, about two months ago, we paid the sum of N360 million naira for 2021 WASSCE fee for students in public secondary schools in the State.
“We have also approved about four million naira for Year 2021 NABTEB fees for 209 final year students in our five technical colleges.
“Aside from this, government procured and distributed science equipment and textbooks for effective learning/teaching in secondary schools and has recently employed 1,200 teachers for the public primary schools in the State.
“Tertiary institutions are not left out in our development process. We have upgraded, constructed and renovated existing structures in the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo and the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa.
“It is a common knowledge that teachers’ motivation is an essential factor for classroom effectiveness and school improvement.
“In view of this consciousness and as a government with determination to achieve results through unique innovations, attention is always paid to the well-being and training of teachers to encourage and spur them to ultimately improve the academic performances of our pupils and students.
“I want to make it clear that our administration will continue to celebrate and reward outstanding performance of our teachers and students.
“It is in this regard that the State Government has decided to reward these 48 students, who will be given ICT equipment worth three million, seven hundred and ninety thousand Naira (N3,790,000.00) in different categories. I am delighted to announce that some school principals/teachers have also done the State proud.
“The teachers that took part in the coaching of these students would also be rewarded. This gesture, I believe, will further encourage and boost the morale of the teachers to be more dedicated to duty. It is also our belief that these token gifts would go a long way in motivating other students for excellent performance in future competitions.
“To our dear children, the awardees of today, I congratulate you all. I have no doubt that everyone of you will excel in your future endeavours as well as contribute your quota to the development of our dear State in particular and the country at large.
“You should note that determination and hard work are key to success in life. I enjoin you to remain steady and focused as you aspire to achieve your set goals in life.