Gov. Aiyedatiwa Launches Distribution of Books, Tablets, and Sports Equipment to Ondo Public Schools

…Construction, rehabilitation underway in over 100 schools across the state

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing equitable access to quality education for every child in the state, irrespective of background.

The Governor made this declaration on Thursday during the official flag-off ceremony for the distribution of instructional materials and sports equipment to public primary and junior secondary schools across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State.

The event, held at St. James Mega Primary School, Irowo, Akure, marked a major milestone in the implementation of the 2023 and 2024 UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects, aimed at strengthening basic education across the state.

“This initiative is more than a ceremonial handover,” Governor Aiyedatiwa stated. “It represents a crucial step in our administration’s education agenda under the ‘OUR EASE’ development framework, ensuring that no child is left behind.”

He revealed that Ondo is among the few states that have accessed the UBEC/SUBEB funds up to 2024, enabling substantial infrastructural upgrades and procurement of educational resources.

“We’ve embarked on massive infrastructure development across the education sector,” the Governor said. “This includes construction in 43 schools, renovation works in 78 schools, provision of over 8,000 learner desks, 1,000 teacher furniture units, and establishment of ECCDE centers, perimeter fencing, and modern toilet facilities.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa also disclosed that over 2,100 new teachers have been recruited for both primary and secondary schools, with continuous training in Jolly Phonics, STEM subjects, English Language, and digital literacy to enhance teaching quality.

“No education system can rise above the quality of its teachers,” he emphasized, noting that regular capacity-building programs have become integral to the state’s education strategy.

As part of the instructional materials distributed, the Governor announced the delivery of over 75,000 textbooks covering English, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, History, National Values, and Computer Studies. Also included were Android tablets preloaded with educational content, designed to complement classroom learning.

On the promotion of physical education, the Governor applauded the impressive performance of Ondo students in school sports competitions, and distributed sports kits—including football gear, badminton rackets, swimming kits, chess boards, and table tennis equipment—to 52 schools across the state.

He further noted the state’s consistent payment of WASSCE fees for eligible students as part of efforts to ease parents’ financial burden and support learners’ academic progression. He also reiterated the administration’s ongoing support for state-owned tertiary institutions through scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid to indigenes.

In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), thanked the Governor for his unwavering prioritization of education, adding that the goal remains a 1:1 textbook-to-learner ratio. He urged school managers and stakeholders to ensure responsible use of the materials.

Also speaking, UBEC State Coordinator, Adams Olanike—represented by Aremo Ayodeji—hailed the initiative as a testament to shared responsibility for advancing education, noting that the intervention would enhance learning outcomes, promote health, and foster teamwork.

Friedrich Akintoroye, representing the Association of Primary School Health Teachers of Nigeria, described the event as a reaffirmation of the Governor’s dedication to transforming the sector.

In a goodwill message, Sola Adubi, who represented PTA Chairman Alhaji Abimbola Omoloja, commended the Governor for easing parents’ burden through provision of learning materials.

Similarly, Dr. Ade Omololu, Chairman of the Forum of Education Secretaries, praised the administration’s commitment to timely counterpart funding, revealing that new contracts for school infrastructure had recently been awarded. He assured that all distributed materials would be fairly shared and properly maintained.