The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing equitable access to quality education for all children in the state.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony for the distribution of instructional materials and sports equipment to public primary and junior secondary schools, Aiyedatiwa said the initiative is part of efforts to improve basic education infrastructure and learning outcomes across the state. The event was held at St. James Mega Primary School, Irowo, in Akure.
The distribution exercise, which covers schools in all 18 local government areas of the state, is part of the 2023 and 2024 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) intervention programmes.
According to the governor, the initiative goes beyond a symbolic handover of materials. He described it as a key step under the education component of his administration’s “OUR EASE” development agenda aimed at transforming the state’s education sector.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that Ondo State has successfully accessed UBEC/SUBEB funding up to 2024, enabling the execution of several infrastructural and procurement projects. These include the construction of classroom blocks in 43 schools, renovation projects in 78 schools, the supply of over 8,000 units of learners’ furniture and 1,000 for teachers, as well as the construction of Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE) buildings, perimeter fences, and modern toilet facilities.
He added that over 2,100 teachers have been recruited for both primary and secondary schools, while training programmes in Jolly Phonics, Sciences, Mathematics, English Language, and digital literacy have been regularly organized to improve teaching quality.
On instructional materials, the governor announced the distribution of more than 75,000 textbooks and library resources covering subjects such as English, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, History, National Values, and Computer Studies. He also noted the provision of Android tablets preloaded with educational content to enhance digital learning.
Highlighting the importance of sports, the governor said the distribution includes football kits, chess boards, swimming kits, badminton rackets, and table tennis sets to 52 schools, noting Ondo’s strong record in inter-school competitions.
He further stated that the state government has consistently paid West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for eligible students and continues to support tertiary institutions through funding and scholarship programmes for indigenes.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ondo SUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, thanked the governor for prioritizing education through sustained counterpart funding and policy implementation. He emphasized the board’s goal of achieving a one-to-one textbook-to-pupil ratio.
Also speaking at the event, UBEC State Coordinator, represented by Aremo Ayodeji, commended the state government’s commitment to educational development and described the intervention as beneficial to learners’ academic and physical growth.
Other speakers included Friedrich Akintoroye of the Association of Primary School Health Teachers of Nigeria, Sola Adubi of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), and Dr. Ade Omololu, Chairman of the Forum of Education Secretaries. They all lauded the administration’s efforts and pledged proper management and distribution of the materials.
Dignitaries at the event included Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip
