— Says Education Loan Fund Has Assisted 624,000 Students in Public Tertiary Institutions
By Dayo Johnson, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his reforms in the education sector, describing them as transformative and impactful.
Speaking at the 69th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting held in Akure, the governor praised the President for his “renewed commitment to advancing quality education and human capital development across the country.”
Aiyedatiwa particularly highlighted the impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, noting that it has provided financial assistance to over 624,000 students in public tertiary institutions.
“This commendable effort by Mr. President has gone a long way in reducing disparities in access to quality education between the children of the rich and the poor,” he said.
Theme Timely and Relevant
The governor described the meeting’s theme—Quality Education Data and Professionalisation of Teaching: Tools for Enhanced National Development—as apt and timely.
“It speaks directly to the contemporary challenges confronting the Nigerian education system and offers a clear roadmap for reform,” he stated.
He added that the theme aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed drive toward data-driven planning, digital innovation and teacher professionalisation, in line with global education frameworks such as the UNESCO Education 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).
“Quality education data is the foundation of every effective education system,” Aiyedatiwa said. “It helps policymakers make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, reduce disparities, and ensure that no learner is left behind.”
Restoring Dignity to Teaching
The governor lamented the declining prestige associated with the teaching profession in Nigeria, saying it must be reversed.
“Teaching is one of the oldest and most noble professions known to humanity, yet it has not received the recognition it truly deserves. This perception must change,” he insisted.
He called for improved welfare, merit-based rewards and continuous professional development to restore dignity to the profession.
Aiyedatiwa Lists Achievements in Education
The governor outlined key achievements of his administration in the education sector, including:
Annual payment of WASSCE and NABTEB fees for eligible students
Recruitment, training, and deployment of over 2,100 teachers
Procurement of more than 8,000 learners’ desks and 6,000 teachers’ furniture
Renovation and construction of classrooms, laboratories and libraries
Distribution of sports equipment to basic schools
Provision of over 75,000 textbooks and library materials
Payment of counterpart funds up to 2024 to access UBEC/SUBEB grants
Establishment of a Youth Skills Development Centre with ICT-based training
Regular payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities
Bursaries, scholarship awards and financial assistance for indigenes
Free school shuttle buses and boats across the state
Education Minister Calls for Collective Action
In his remarks, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described education as “the heartbeat of development and the most powerful weapon for national renewal.”
He urged stakeholders to build an education system that is data-driven, inclusive and globally competitive, and reflective of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Let us ensure that every Nigerian child—from the remotest village in Bayelsa to the largest city in Kano—receives quality education that empowers, uplifts and transforms,” Alausa said.
The post Aiyedatiwa hails Tinubu’s education reforms appeared first on Vanguard News.
