The Ondo State Government has presented a certificate of approval for the takeover of Aaye Comprehensive High School Aaye , located in Ifedore Local Government area—nearly two years after it was established by the community.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Folashade Adegoke, confirmed the development during the official handover ceremony.

Represented by the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics in the ministry, Mr. Folorunso Omooluwa, the Permanent Secretary stated that the complete takeover of the school by the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa includes personnel, infrastructure, and other key aspects.

The community had established the only secondary school in Aaye in 2023 through a self-help initiative.

“The state government is fully taking over community schools—this includes the absorption of teachers, infrastructure, and even the playing field. Further interventions may also come from private individuals,” Omooluwa said.

Adegoke emphasised that the government’s decision under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration aims to improve the school’s standard and ensure equitable access to quality education and opportunities for every child, regardless of background.

She reiterated the government’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders to ensure the success of the initiative, noting that education remains one of the administration’s top priorities.

She also called on stakeholders in the education sector to support the government’s efforts in building a brighter future for the state’s students.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Ifedore Local Government, Mr. Oladipo Ajibola, expressed satisfaction with the bold step taken by the state government.

Represented by his wife, Mrs. Ajibola, he commended the development, noting its potential to significantly improve educational standards in the Aaye community.

He encouraged students and the community at large to remain focused on education, urging them to view the development as a great opportunity to achieve future success.

In his remarks, the Principal of the school, Prince Otaki Ajayi, stated that the school, which was established in 2023, was willingly handed over to the government by the community.

He praised the state governor for fulfilling his promise to take over the school, a move many in the community had thought impossible.

“We thank the Governor for fulfilling his promise to take over the school as soon as he was elected,” Ajayi said.

He also appealed to the governor to absorb all pioneer teachers, including the vice principal and non-teaching staff, into the state’s payroll.

The Alaaye of Aaye, Oba (Elder) Peter Adeleye, expressed appreciation for the development, describing it as a significant milestone for the community.

He extended his gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Ministry of Education for recognising the community’s effort in promoting excellence in education. He described the certificate as more than a mere document—it symbolises hard work, dedication, and a shared commitment to quality education for every child in Aaye.

Oba Adeleye pledged the community’s readiness to uphold the values represented by the certificate and to remain a beacon of learning, growth, and integrity in the state.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the School’s Governing Council and Elemo of Aaye Kingdom, Chief Olatunji Adebayo, commended the governor for responding to the community’s request for a government takeover of the school.

He noted that this action would significantly enhance the educational standard in the community and benefit school-aged children.

Dignitaries present at the event included the former Commissioner, Mr. Igbekele Daodu; the Owa of Araromi, HRM Oba Jayeoba Alabi; the Olurese of Irese Land, HRM Oba Ahmed Destiny Saka; and the Managing Director of Francisca Muinat Quarry Ltd., Pastor Peter Paul, among others.