Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has urged greater collaboration with private investors to improve Ondo State’s tertiary institutions.
He said partnerships are needed to boost infrastructure, student welfare, and technical education across campuses.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called for stronger collaboration between the government, private investors, and stakeholders to enhance the development of the state’s tertiary institutions.
Speaking during a meeting with student representatives from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, in his office at Akure, Aiyedatiwa said the government alone cannot meet all the financial and infrastructural needs of higher institutions. He emphasized the need for private sector participation in providing accommodation and other facilities to improve learning conditions and student welfare.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Wednesday, the governor commended the students for their peaceful conduct and maturity, noting that since he assumed office, there had been no reports of unrest or violent protests in any of the state’s institutions.
“The government cannot do everything alone because resources are limited,” Aiyedatiwa said. “We are calling on private investors to partner with us by building hostels within and around campuses. This is a viable business opportunity that will also enhance the safety and comfort of students.”
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to technical and vocational education, describing it as essential to industrial growth and job creation. “We are paying more attention to technical education. Investors are coming, and they will need skilled labour. Our goal is to equip young people with the technical knowledge to fit into the changing economy,” he added.
Aiyedatiwa further promised to resolve the electricity supply issues affecting the Federal University of Technology, Akure, saying the challenge would soon be addressed to improve research and academic activities.
In a move to ease student mobility, the governor announced the approval of five new buses for tertiary institutions across the state, with plans for additional allocations in the future. He also restated his administration’s commitment to scholarships, grants, and other educational interventions to support students.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Kelvin Olaolu, commended Aiyedatiwa for his continued support for the student community. “In the history of student unionism in this state, peace has been maintained because of your leadership style. You have been a father to us, and we appreciate your efforts in expanding transport support and extending assistance to private institutions,” he said.
The meeting came just days after lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Adekunle Ajasin University appealed to the governor to intervene in what they described as a deepening crisis within the institution. The union expressed concern over unpaid salaries and deteriorating infrastructure, urging the state government to take urgent action to prevent further decline.
Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that his administration remains focused on stabilizing the education sector, fostering collaboration, and promoting a conducive environment for academic excellence across all tertiary institutions in Ondo State.
