Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering equitable access to quality education, regardless of background.
This he said as he flagged off the distribution of instructional materials, digital learning devices, and sports equipment to public schools across the state.
The flag-off ceremony, held at St. James Mega Primary School, Irowo, Akure, on Thursday, marked a key milestone in the implementation of the 2023 and 2024 UBEC/SUBEB intervention programmes.
The event featured the symbolic handover of textbooks, Android tablets, and sporting gear to public primary and junior secondary schools in all 18 local government areas of the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described the initiative as a significant leap toward redefining the future of education in Ondo State, under the education pillar of his “OUR EASE” development agenda.
“This is more than a ceremonial distribution,” the governor said. “It reflects our unwavering determination to build a future where every child in Ondo State has access to quality education and the tools to thrive.”
He announced that the state had successfully accessed the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) fund up to the 2024 cycle, enabling wide-ranging infrastructural and learning interventions.
According to the governor, ongoing projects include the construction of classroom blocks in 43 schools, renovations in 78 schools, and the procurement of over 8,000 student desks and chairs, alongside over 1,000 pieces of furniture for teachers.
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Additionally, Early Childhood Care Development Education (ECCDE) buildings, perimeter fencing, and modern sanitation facilities are being provided in selected schools.
The governor also noted that over 2,100 new teachers have been recruited into both primary and secondary schools, complemented by regular teacher training programmes in core subjects, Jolly Phonics, and digital literacy.
“Innovation in education is key to future development,” he said.
“That’s why we are empowering our teachers through modern teaching techniques and technological capacity building.”
On instructional materials, Aiyedatiwa revealed that over 75,000 textbooks and library resources covering core subjects—including English, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, History, National Values, and Computer Studies—have been distributed.
Learners also received Android tablets loaded with current educational content to enhance digital learning.
The governor underscored the importance of sports in overall child development, announcing the distribution of sports equipment—including football kits, chess boards, swimming kits, badminton rackets, and table tennis sets—to 52 public schools.
He praised the state’s consistent performance in regional and national competitions, attributing it to deliberate investment in school sports.
Aiyedatiwa noted that the state will continue to pay West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for eligible students.
He said the state will maintain regular support for tertiary institutions and funding scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid for Ondo indigenes nationwide.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), Victor Olabimtan, praised the governor for prioritising education and sustaining timely counterpart funding.
He highlighted the board’s ambition to achieve a 1:1 textbook-to-learner ratio and called for stakeholders to ensure proper use of the distributed materials.
UBEC State Coordinator, represented by Aremo Ayodeji, described the event as a clear demonstration of the government’s resolve to strengthen foundational education and promote holistic child development.
Also speaking, Friedrich Akintoroye of the Association of Primary School Health Teachers of Nigeria commended the initiative as a reaffirmation of the governor’s focus on transforming education.
Similarly, Sola Adubi, representing the State PTA Chairman, noted the relief such efforts bring to parents, while Ade Omololu, Chairman of the Forum of Education Secretaries, assured that the materials would be fairly distributed and well maintained.
