By Fisayo Akinduro
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured that his administration is laying a solid foundation for a new phase of student development through strategic investment in education, infrastructure and youth empowerment.
He gave the assurance while meeting with representatives of student associations from various tertiary institutions at the Governor’s Office, Akure, where he unveiled plans to strengthen student welfare and institutional support.
Aiyedatiwa said his government was not only focused on stabilising the economy, but also ensuring that the gains of ongoing reforms translate into better opportunities for young people.
“Our students are the strength of this state, and everything we are doing today from reforms to infrastructure is designed to secure your future,” he said.
The governor commended the peaceful disposition of student leaders, attributing the absence of unrest in tertiary institutions to their understanding and constructive engagement with government.
He said the removal of fuel subsidy and other fiscal reforms were necessary to reposition the country for growth.
“It’s a painful but necessary process. We’re now seeing the benefits as more resources are available for development at both federal and state levels,” he noted.
To cushion the impact on students, Aiyedatiwa announced the approval of five new buses for student unions across tertiary institutions and restated his administration’s commitment to funding bursaries, scholarships and grants.
On infrastructure, he highlighted the ongoing reconstruction of the Akungba–Ikare road, saying the project was initiated to end years of fatal accidents and improve movement between communities.
He also promised to resolve the electricity challenges at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), to enhance learning and research.
The governor appealed to private investors to complement government efforts by building hostels near campuses, stressing that student accommodation and safety remained top priorities.
“We cannot do everything alone. We need private investors to come in. Building hostels near campuses is both profitable and necessary for student safety,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s renewed focus on technical and vocational education, describing it as the cornerstone of job creation and industrialisation. “We are preparing our young people for the modern economy through practical skills training,” he stated.
Student leaders who spoke at the event included the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Ondo Axis Chairman, Comrade Martins Ayemoluwa; Federation of Ekiti Students Union (FESU) National President, Comrade Precious Ikuenomore; Federation of Owo Students Union (FOWOSU) President, Comrade Mayomi Adekanye; National Association of Akoko Students (NAAS) President, Comrade Temitope Alade, and the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) President, Comrade Adegoriola Abejoye.
They commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his developmental strides and student-friendly policies, while calling for further interventions in transportation, campus security, and job creation initiatives.
Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo; Commissioner for Education, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun; Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi; Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Biyi Poroye, and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Comrade Kelvin Solomon Olaolu, KSO.