Ondo State Initiates ₦350 Million Bursary Program for 11,358 Students

The government of Ondo State has commenced the distribution of ₦350 million in bursaries and scholarship funds aimed at supporting over 11,358 indigenous students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The initiative was officially launched on March 5, 2024, in Akure, with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa emphasizing the program’s role in alleviating the financial challenges faced by students and their families.

At the flag-off ceremony, which was attended by various state officials, the governor, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, highlighted the administration’s dedication to educational development and human capital enhancement. He remarked, “The year 2025 has been a remarkable chapter in our educational journey, as our interventions have continued to transform lives, institutions, and communities across Ondo State.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that no child from Ondo State is deprived of education due to financial constraints. He stated that the bursary and scholarship program is a testament to the government’s concern for student welfare. The governor called on students to embody values such as discipline, integrity, and hard work, reinforcing his administration’s goal of building a robust educational system that supports every learner.

Key Components of the Scholarship Scheme

The state scholarship board’s Administrative Secretary, Funso Omoniyi, detailed that the financial assistance program is structured into five distinct categories. These include scholarships for outstanding students, financial support for students in Nigerian Law Schools, assistance for medical students engaged in clinical studies, and aid for physically challenged students.

Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, the state commissioner for education, science, and technology, also spoke at the event, revealing that the state government has committed funds for various educational interventions, including covering the registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The initiative has garnered positive feedback from students. Temitope Alade, the national president of the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS), expressed gratitude for the governor’s commitment to education and student welfare. Alade urged fellow students to maintain good conduct in their respective institutions, emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior.

As the disbursement process begins, the Ondo State government aims to make a significant impact on the educational landscape, encouraging students to strive for excellence while easing the financial burdens faced by their families. The commitment to education remains a central focus of the administration, with this bursary program serving as a vital step in fostering a brighter future for the youth of Ondo State.