Aiyedatiwa Seeks Private Investment to Boost Tertiary Education

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called for stronger collaboration between government, private investors, and educational stakeholders to address the infrastructural and welfare challenges facing tertiary institutions in the state.

The governor made the appeal during a meeting with student representatives of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), at his office in Akure. The meeting came just days after lecturers of Adekunle Ajasin University, under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), appealed to the governor to urgently intervene to prevent what they described as the institution’s “imminent collapse.”

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa said the partnership was essential to tackle the accommodation problems affecting students, adding that government alone could not meet all their needs.

“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,” he said.

The governor commended the students for their peaceful conduct and discipline, noting that since he assumed office, there had been no reports of unrest or violent agitation within the student community. He attributed the development to constructive engagement and mutual understanding between students and the government.

Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s renewed focus on technical and vocational education, describing it as vital to industrial growth and job creation.

“We are paying more attention to technical education. Investors are coming, and they will need skilled labour,” he said.

He further pledged to resolve the electricity supply challenges at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), expressing optimism that the issue would be addressed promptly to improve academic and research productivity.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance student welfare, the governor announced the approval of five new buses for student bodies across tertiary institutions in the state, promising that more would follow.

He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting education and youth empowerment through scholarships, grants, and other financial interventions.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Kelvin Olaolu, appreciated Aiyedatiwa’s consistent support for the student community.

“In the history of student unionism in this state, we have maintained peace and order because of your leadership style. You have been a father to us, and we appreciate your efforts in increasing bus allocations and extending support to private institutions,” he said.