Ondo Governor Seeks Private Sector Boost for Tertiary Education
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has appealed for greater collaboration, particularly from private investors, to enhance the state’s tertiary education landscape and tackle pressing student accommodation issues.
The Governor stressed that the government alone lacks the necessary resources to meet all the demands of the institutions.
The call was made during a recent interaction with student representatives of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, held at his office in the state capital, Akure.
Details of the engagement were released on Wednesday in a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan.
Governor Aiyedatiwa specifically highlighted the critical need for safe and adequate student lodging. He urged the private sector to invest in the construction of hostels on or near university campuses, framing it as both a crucial support for the state and a financially viable undertaking.
“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,” the Governor stated.
Beyond accommodation, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to bolstering technical and vocational education, which he described as essential for fostering industrial expansion and creating job opportunities.
“We are paying more attention to technical education. Investors are coming, and they will need skilled labour,” Aiyedatiwa noted.
He also pledged swift action to resolve the persistent electricity supply challenges facing the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), expressing optimism that a prompt solution would significantly boost academic and research output.
Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the students for their responsible conduct, noting that his tenure has been marked by a welcome absence of campus unrest or violent protests, which he attributed to their maturity and discipline.
As a practical gesture of support, the administration approved five new buses for student bodies across tertiary institutions, with promises of additional vehicles in the near future. He reiterated the government’s resolve to back youth development through various scholarships, grants, and financial aid.
In his response, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Kelvin Olaolu, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.
He acknowledged the Governor’s consistent support and efforts, which he said have helped maintain peace and order within the student community.
This governmental outreach occurs just days after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the institution publicly implored Governor Aiyedatiwa to intervene, citing years of neglect, unpaid staff salaries, and rapidly deteriorating infrastructure that threatened the university’s viability.
