Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state has approved N350 million for the 2025 scholarship and bursary scheme to support indigenes of Ondo State studying in higher institutions across Nigeria.
The governor’s approval was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Akure by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan.
Aiyedatiwa explained that the fund would cater to five different categories of students, including those studying medicine and law, as well as students living with disabilities.
He added that about 12,000 students would benefit from the initiative this year, an increase from 2024 when N335 million was distributed to 11,200 beneficiaries.
The Punch reported that the governor noted that ”in 2024, the annual bursary for the students was increased from N10,000 to N20,000, while students with disabilities got N75,000 each and scholarship beneficiaries got N100,000 each.”
The governor said his administration sees education as the foundation of development and the pathway to harnessing the potential of young people.
“Many of our students face significant financial challenges in pursuing their academic dreams.
“That is why we have these bursaries and scholarship awards, as well as financial assistance, to provide support, alleviate financial burdens, and enable our students to focus on their studies,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa said that the awards were a testament to the government’s commitment to investing in the future of the state and the country.
“We must ensure that our students have access to quality education and the necessary support to excel in their academic pursuits,” he said.
On August 27, the state government announced a ban on graduation ceremonies for pupils in nursery and primary schools, as well as students in junior secondary schools across Ondo State.
The government also outlawed the operation of illegal and unregistered schools and suspended the reaccreditation of all private schools until further quality assurance measures are completed.
