Aiyedatiwa launches distribution of educational materials to public schools in Ondo

Ongoing rehabilitation and construction works are currently taking place in more than 100 public schools across Ondo State as part of the state government’s renewed commitment to enhancing basic education.

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa made this known on Thursday during the official launch of instructional materials and sports equipment distribution to primary and junior secondary schools across the 18 local government areas of the state.

The flag-off event, which took place at St. James Mega Primary School in Irowo, Akure, forms part of the interventions funded through the 2023 and 2024 UBEC/SUBEB partnership.

According to Governor Aiyedatiwa, the exercise goes beyond symbolic handovers—it represents a transformative step in his administration’s education agenda under the "OUR EASE" development framework. He emphasized that every child in Ondo State, regardless of socio-economic background, deserves equal access to quality learning resources and opportunities.

He proudly announced that Ondo State has accessed UBEC/SUBEB funds up to the 2024 cycle, enabling a wave of infrastructural and procurement projects. These include classroom construction in 43 schools, renovations in 78 others, over 8,000 learner desks, more than 1,000 teacher furniture units, and the building of ECCDE centres, fences, and sanitary facilities in multiple locations.

The Governor also highlighted the recruitment of more than 2,100 teachers for both primary and secondary schools, as well as regular training workshops to equip them with modern instructional skills, including Jolly Phonics, core subjects, and digital literacy.

He noted that over 75,000 textbooks across various subjects—such as English, Mathematics, History, Science and Technology, Civic Education, and Computer Studies—would be distributed. Also included are Android tablets preloaded with educational content to aid digital learning.

In recognition of the role of physical education in child development, the governor announced the distribution of sports gear—including football kits, chess sets, swimming kits, badminton rackets, and table tennis equipment—to 52 schools, applauding the state's strong performance in school sports competitions nationwide.

Governor Aiyedatiwa further noted that the government continues to cover WASSCE fees for eligible students, support tertiary institutions in the state, and sustain scholarship and bursary schemes for Ondo indigenes in higher institutions across Nigeria.

Chairman of ODSUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the governor for consistently supporting education and stressed the board's aim to achieve a one-to-one textbook-to-learner ratio. He urged all beneficiaries to make effective use of the materials.

UBEC State Coordinator, represented by Aremo Ayodeji, described the initiative as a product of joint efforts aimed at improving education delivery. He praised the Aiyedatiwa administration for prioritizing child development through education and sports.

Friedrich Akintoroye, representing the Association of Primary School Health Teachers, also applauded the effort, describing it as a testament to the governor's focus on strengthening the education sector.

Sola Adubi, who stood in for PTA State Chairman Alhaji Abimbola Omoloja, acknowledged the relief the initiative would bring to parents. Meanwhile, Dr. Ade Omololu, Chairman of the Forum of Education Secretaries, commended the state's recent release of counterpart funding, which has led to new contracts for school infrastructure.

He assured that the materials would be distributed fairly, used efficiently, and maintained properly to benefit students across the state.

Present at the event were top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip.