In a move to ease the financial burden on students and their families, the Ondo State Government has commenced the disbursement of over ₦350 million in bursaries, scholarships, and financial assistance to indigenous students studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The initiative was officially launched on Tuesday in Akure by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who described the scheme as a key component of his administration’s commitment to revitalising education and empowering young people through human capital development.
Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor said the programme reflects the state’s deep concern for students’ welfare and its determination to ensure that no child from Ondo State is denied access to education due to financial hardship.
“The year 2025 has been a remarkable chapter in our educational journey. Through various programmes and projects, we have transformed lives, institutions, and communities across the state,” Aiyedatiwa said.
“Today’s bursary, scholarship, and financial assistance programme for 11,358 students is a demonstration of our government’s commitment to ensuring that no student from Ondo State drops out of school due to lack of funds.”
The governor urged the beneficiaries to uphold the values of discipline, integrity, and hard work, assuring them that his administration remains steadfast in building a robust and inclusive education system that supports all learners.
In her remarks, the Administrative Secretary of the State Scholarship Board, Funso Omoniyi, explained that the disbursement covers five categories of support — scholarships for outstanding students, financial assistance for students in Nigerian Law Schools, medical students undergoing clinical studies, and students with physical disabilities.
She added that the intervention aims to reward excellence while providing a lifeline for those facing financial challenges in pursuing their education.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, disclosed that the state government has released funds for several educational interventions, including the payment of WASSCE registration fees for eligible students.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his sustained investment in education and student welfare, describing the bursary scheme as a strategic effort to promote equity and inclusion in the state’s education sector.
In his goodwill message, the National President of the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS), Temitope Alade, thanked the governor for prioritising students’ welfare and appealed to his fellow students to remain of good conduct and make the state proud in their respective institutions.
The bursary scheme is part of the Aiyedatiwa administration’s broader strategy to strengthen educational access, support academic excellence, and build a generation of well-equipped and responsible citizens.