By Sade Adewale
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has said that the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration have stabilised Nigeria’s economy and prevented a deeper national crisis.
The governor made the remarks during a meeting with student representatives from tertiary institutions across the state in Akure, where he addressed issues of economic hardship, education and student welfare.
Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that citizens were still experiencing difficulties as a result of the ongoing reforms but maintained that the policies were beginning to yield results.
He said, “It’s a temporary hardship that is easing up. The reforms are yielding results and benefits, and they are making the economy better.
“If these reforms had not been implemented, Nigeria would have been worse off today.”
He commended student leaders in the state for maintaining peace across campuses, noting that there had been no reports of violent agitation since he assumed office.
“I want to commend all of you for the way and manner you have been conducting yourselves. Since I became governor. There has been no student unrest, as it were. You have engaged clearly without any form of violent agitation,” he said.
The governor emphasised the need for collaboration between government and the private sector to address infrastructure and accommodation challenges in tertiary institutions. He cited ongoing reconstruction works near Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, as part of efforts to improve student safety.
“We had to reconstruct that road because of the high rate of accidents near Akungba University. It’s a technical road, but we’ve started it and we will complete it,” he stated.
Aiyedatiwa also reiterated his administration’s commitment to technical and vocational education as a pathway to industrial development and employment generation.
“We are paying more attention to technical education. Investors are coming, and they will need skilled labour,” he said.
He assured students of the state government’s intervention in electricity supply challenges at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), noting that the issue would be addressed to improve learning and research.
As part of his administration’s student welfare initiative, the governor announced the approval of five new buses for student associations in tertiary institutions across the state, promising additional support in the coming months.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi, commended the governor for his continued engagement with young people and for approving increased bursaries and scholarships for students.
Omoyofunmi said the administration’s focus on youth empowerment, including the introduction of an under-17 football competition, reflected a sustained commitment to nurturing future leaders in Ondo State.