Commends student leaders for sustaining peace, pledges more investments in infrastructure
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s renewed focus on technical and vocational education, describing it as vital to industrial growth and job creation.
According to the Governor, the state government is paying more attention to technical education to prepare for the surge in investment inflows, as industries will require a skilled workforce.
“We are paying more attention to technical education. Investors are coming, and they will need skilled labour,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
The Governor made this known during a meeting with student representatives from tertiary institutions across the state, held at the Governor’s Office in Akure on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
Aiyedatiwa lauded the student leaders for their responsible conduct and maturity, attributing the prevailing peace in the education sector to their discipline and cooperation.
“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.
While acknowledging the economic hardship faced by citizens as a result of national reforms, the Governor urged patience, assuring that the current difficulties were temporary and that the reforms were already producing positive outcomes.
“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 noted.
Aiyedatiwa also emphasized the need for public-private partnership to address accommodation challenges faced by students, calling on private investors to complement government efforts by constructing hostels within and around campuses, noting that such ventures would also enhance student security.
“The government cannot provide everything. Resources are limited. That’s why we are calling on investors to build hostels for students on or near campuses. It’s a viable venture that will also enhance student security,” he said.
On infrastructure, the Governor highlighted ongoing and completed projects across the state, including the reconstruction of the Akungba–Ikare road. He explained that the project was initiated to reduce frequent accidents and boost economic activities in the area.
“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 assured.
Aiyedatiwa also pledged to address the electricity challenges at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), saying the issue would be resolved promptly to enhance academic and research productivity.
As part of efforts to improve students’ welfare, the Governor announced the approval of five new buses for student unions across tertiary institutions in the state, with more to be provided.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education and youth development through scholarships, grants, and other financial interventions.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Segun Omoyofunmi, commended the Governor’s continuous engagement with the youth, describing him as a listening leader deeply concerned about their growth and welfare.
He praised the Governor for approving double bursaries and scholarships for the first time in the state’s history and for introducing the under-17 football competition as a platform for youth empowerment.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Comrade Kelvin Solomon Olaolu (KSO), appreciated the Governor’s calm leadership and consistent support for the student community.
“In the history of student unionism in this state, we have maintained peace and order because of your leadership style. You have been a father to us, and we appreciate your efforts in increasing bus allocations and extending support to private institutions,” he said.
The President of the Niger Delta Students’ Union, Comrade Martins Ayemoluwa, called for improved solar energy provision and the establishment of a marine science project in the state.
Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro; and Chairman, OSOPADEC, Prince Biyi Poroye, among others.
