Ondo State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming basic education across the state with a robust distribution of educational and sports materials to public schools.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony held at St. James Mega Primary School in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa unveiled a major distribution of over 75,000 textbooks, Android tablets with digital learning content, and sports equipment to primary and junior secondary schools in all 18 local government areas. The initiative, under the 2023–2024 UBEC/SUBEB intervention scheme, aligns with his administration’s “OUR EASE” development agenda.
“This distribution represents our commitment to building a future where every child, regardless of background, has unfettered access to quality education,” the Governor declared.
The Governor highlighted that Ondo State has accessed UBEC/SUBEB funds up to 2024, facilitating wide-reaching improvements across the education sector. This includes the construction of new classroom blocks in 43 schools, renovation of 78 others, procurement of over 9,000 units of furniture, and the installation of perimeter fencing and modern toilet facilities in various schools.
Governor Aiyedatiwa further emphasized the importance of investing in teachers, noting that more than 2,100 educators have been recruited and are undergoing regular training in areas such as digital literacy, core subjects, and innovative methods like Jolly Phonics. “No education system can rise above the quality of its teachers,” he stated.
The instructional package includes learning materials in core subjects like English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Computer Studies, and History. Android tablets were also distributed to enhance digital learning.
In support of holistic development, the governor also announced the distribution of sports equipment to 52 basic schools, including football kits, chess boards, badminton rackets, and swimming gear. He praised the state’s performance in national school sports competitions and reaffirmed support for physical education.
The administration’s commitment also extends to easing the financial burden on parents, with the continued payment of WASSCE fees for eligible students and ongoing scholarship and bursary programs for tertiary learners.
Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, lauded the governor’s dedication to education, particularly his efforts to achieve a one-to-one textbook-to-learner ratio. “This effort reflects a bold stride toward ensuring no child is left behind,” Olabimtan said.
Other stakeholders, including UBEC representatives, education secretaries, teachers’ associations, and the PTA, echoed their appreciation for the administration’s proactive and inclusive approach to educational development.
The event was attended by top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s latest education drive marks another chapter in his broader mission to provide equitable, high-quality education for all children in Ondo State.
