Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has lauded student leaders across tertiary institutions in the state for their responsible conduct, attributing the prevailing peace in the education sector to their maturity and cooperation.
Speaking during a meeting with student representatives at the Governor’s Office in Akure, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the Governor said that since his assumption of office, there had been no reports of unrest or violent agitation within the student community, a development he credited to their discipline and constructive engagement.
“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 ongoing reforms at the national level, the Governor urged the students to remain patient, assuring them that the difficulties were temporary and that the policies 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 added.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed the need for collaboration to address accommodation challenges faced by students, stating that government alone could not meet all needs.
He called on private investors to build hostels within and around campuses to complement government efforts and 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 curb frequent accidents in the area and stimulate local commerce.
“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.
He reiterated his administration’s renewed focus on technical and vocational education, describing it as vital to industrial growth and job creation, adding: “We are paying more attention to technical education. Investors are coming, and they will need skilled labour.”
He also pledged to resolve the electricity supply challenges at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), assuring that the issue would be addressed promptly to enhance academic and research productivity.
As part of his administration’s commitment to student welfare, the Governor announced the approval of five new buses for student bodies across tertiary institutions in the state, with more to come.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting 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 sustained engagement with the youth, describing him as a listening leader genuinely concerned about their development.
He praised the Governor for approving bursaries and scholarships in double folds for the first time in the state’s history and for initiating the under-17 football competition to foster youth empowerment.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Comrade Kelvin Solomon Olaolu (KSO), expressed appreciation for the governor’s calm leadership and unwavering 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.
Student leaders from across the state also used the occasion to appeal to the government to address challenges facing tertiary institutions, including transportation, security and general welfare.
President of the Niger Delta Students’ Union, Comrade Martins Ayemoluwa, called on authorities to view the Niger Delta as a hub for innovation and investment rather than solely oil exploration, urging improved solar energy provision and the establishment of a marine science project in the state.
Chairperson of the National Female Students Association of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, Comrade Precious Ikuenomore, decried the neglect of female students and appealed to the governor to prioritise their safety, citing the unsafe distance of female hostels from the University of Medical Sciences campus.
NANS JCC Chairman, Comrade Mayomi Adekanye, commended the governor’s efforts but urged consistency in addressing student concerns, particularly those relating to accommodation and transportation.
Similarly, NAOSS President, Comrade Temitope Alade, called for the establishment of security outposts near campuses and the resuscitation of NDDC scholarships, while NAUS Chairman, Comrade Adegoriola Abejoye, praised the governor for fulfilling 80 per cent of previous promises but urged quick delivery of buses, road repairs and employment for student stakeholders.
Dignitaries present 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; Chairman, OSOPADEC, Prince Biyi Poroye; Senior Special Assistant on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Mr Benedict Gbayisemore; Senior Special Assistant on Sports, Mr Kehinde Akinrotoye; and representatives of several student bodies.