Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has applauded student leaders across tertiary institutions in the state for their maturity, discipline, and cooperation, describing their conduct as a key factor behind the prevailing peace in the state’s education sector.

Speaking during a meeting with student representatives at the Governor’s Office, Akure, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Aiyedatiwa noted that since assuming office, there had been no reports of unrest or violent agitation among the student community.

“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 stated.

The governor acknowledged the economic challenges citizens are facing as a result of ongoing national reforms but urged the students to remain patient, assuring them that the hardship is temporary.

“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 explained.

On students’ welfare, Aiyedatiwa emphasized the need for collaboration in addressing accommodation challenges, stressing that government resources are limited. He called on private investors to partner with the state by constructing hostels within and around campuses to complement government efforts and enhance student safety.

“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.

Highlighting his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, the governor cited the reconstruction of the Akungba–Ikare road as a major intervention aimed at reducing frequent accidents near the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).

“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 reaffirmed his administration’s renewed commitment to technical and vocational education, noting that such training is critical to industrial growth and employment generation.

“We are paying more attention to technical education. Investors are coming, and they will need skilled labour,” he added.

Aiyedatiwa also promised to resolve the electricity challenges facing the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), saying his administration would ensure reliable power supply to enhance academic and research productivity.

As part of measures to support student mobility, the governor announced the approval of five new buses for student bodies across tertiary institutions in the state, with more to follow. He also restated his government’s dedication to education and youth empowerment through scholarships, grants, and other financial support.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Segun Omoyofunmi, described the governor as a listening leader who prioritizes youth development. He commended Aiyedatiwa for doubling bursaries and scholarships for students — the first in the state’s history — and for initiating the under-17 football competition to promote youth engagement.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Comrade Kelvin Solomon Olaolu (KSO), also appreciated the governor’s leadership style and 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 various tertiary institutions used the opportunity to present their concerns, including issues of transportation, accommodation, security, and general welfare.

Comrade Martins Ayemoluwa, President of the Niger Delta Students’ Union, urged the government to view the Niger Delta as a hub for innovation and investment, calling for improved solar energy and the establishment of a marine science project in the state.

Chairperson of the National Female Students Association of Nigeria (NFSAN), Ondo State chapter, Comrade Precious Ikuenomore, appealed for greater attention to the safety of female students, citing the distance of hostels from the University of Medical Sciences campus.

NANS JCC Chairman, Comrade Mayomi Adekanye, while commending the governor’s efforts, urged consistency in addressing student needs, particularly in accommodation and transportation.

Similarly, NAOSS President, Comrade Temitope Alade, called for the establishment of security outposts near campuses and the revival of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) scholarship scheme, while NAUS Chairman, Comrade Adegoriola Abejoye, praised the governor for fulfilling 80 percent of previous promises but requested faster delivery of buses, road repairs, and employment opportunities for student stakeholders.

Dignitaries present at the meeting 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 of OSOPADEC, Prince Biyi Poroye; Senior Special Assistant on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Mr. Benedict Gbayisemore; and Senior Special Assistant on Sports, Mr. Kehinde Akinrotoye, among others.