Ondo students push education agenda as they lobby information commissioner, Ajanaku for broader youth investment
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Ose Students’ Association of Nigeria has urged the Ondo State government to place youth development and educational reform at the centre of its local agenda.
For their part, the students pledged to assist in amplifying government achievements.
The students used the opportunity of a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon Idowu Ajanaku, to make a renewed case for state backed learning initiatives.
During the meeting, the association led by its president, Ajibua Emmanuel shifted focus from the usual courtesy greetings to what they described as “a call for actionable partnership”.
Emmanuel said the group is preparing an Education Summit and Spelling Bee for secondary school pupils in Ose Local Government, insisting that such programmes “should not be left to students alone to fund or champion”.
He praised the Commissioner’s accessibility but stressed that the association’s real mission was to secure institutional backing for projects aimed at improving academic outcomes in Irekari, a part of the state they say has suffered years of slow educational growth.
The association’s Senate President, Obasanya Monday, said the government’s communication systems have improved since Ajanaku assumed office, arguing that effective public engagement must include visible investment in young people. He reiterated that students in Ose “are ready to partner, not just applaud”.
Responding, Ajanaku welcomed the group’s frankness and reaffirmed that Ose’s infrastructural shortfalls remain a priority for him and for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
He announced that the long-awaited Ikun–Afo Road upgrade has been approved for an upward review and assured that contractors have been directed to deliver “credible work”.
“Let me say here that the Afo–Idoani Road has been included in the 2026 budget, signalling renewed state focus on the region”,” he said
Ajanaku also disclosed the creation of a government committee charged with identifying urgent development needs across Irekari saying that state efforts alone are insufficient, and called for “collective responsibility” from community actors, including the students.
He pledged both financial and moral support for the proposed Education Summit and Spelling Bee, saying such initiatives align with the state’s broader vision for equitable educational opportunities.
Members of the visiting delegation included Akinyẹle Michael, John Paul Alabi, Farotimi Gideon, Ajibuwa Imoleayo, Raji Oluwatimileyin and Adesunloye Timileyin.
