Ondo:Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reported significant progress in reducing the number of out-of-school children through the deployment of shuttle buses and boats, particularly aiding those in riverine communities.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Aiyedatiwa highlighted these efforts while speaking with journalists during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Abuja. The transport initiative is part of broader efforts to ensure children in remote areas can attend school regularly.
Besides transport interventions, the state government is focused on improving educational infrastructure by renovating existing classrooms and constructing new ones. This initiative aims to create more conducive learning environments and accommodate a growing student population. Additionally, the government has covered the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees for final-year students in public schools and has improved teacher welfare by addressing outstanding gratuities.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, a former teacher himself, noted that his experiences in education shape his governance approach. His administration recruited over 2,100 teachers in 2025 to address staffing shortages. The state also invests in continuous teacher training, including digital literacy and modern teaching methods.
In 2025, Ondo State invested N3.1 billion to construct 43 classroom blocks and renovate 75 schools, including technical colleges. The government provided 8,500 units of student furniture, 1,200 units of teacher furniture, and learning materials worth over N150 million.
The administration has also committed significant resources to support student examinations and scholarships, including N633.9 million in 2026 for WAEC fees and substantial bursaries and scholarships funding.
As part of digital education initiatives, the state collaborates with EIDU to introduce AI-powered learning tools and digital resources in schools, preparing for the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence into the curriculum. Plans are also underway to establish a College of Nursing and a College of Education to further enhance educational opportunities in the region.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasizes the importance of education as a priority and calls on stakeholders to uphold the dignity and professionalism of teachers.