By Olufemi Lawson
In a commendable move that reinforces Ondo State’s long-standing reputation as a center of academic excellence, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration has approved the payment of ₦634 million in West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for 23,048 students across public secondary schools in the state. This intervention is not only a financial relief to thousands of parents and guardians but also a strong statement of the government’s commitment to securing a brighter future for the state’s youth.
Education has always been the bedrock of Ondo State’s development, and this latest decision by Governor Aiyedatiwa is a confirmation of his administration’s dedication to upholding that legacy. By ensuring that eligible students, those who passed the Joint Senior Secondary School II Promotion Examination conducted by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, are not denied the opportunity to sit for the WASSCE due to financial constraints, the government has once again demonstrated its people-centered leadership.
At a time when many states across Nigeria are struggling to meet their basic obligations due to economic downturns, the decision to sustain the state sponsored WAEC fee payment policy is particularly laudable. Many families in Ondo State, like others across the country, have been affected by rising costs of living, making educational expenses an increasing burden. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s intervention ensures that no child is left behind due to financial hardship, reinforcing the state’s long-held belief that education remains a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Over the years, this initiative has been a significant relief for parents, guardians, and education stakeholders. It has helped boost school enrollment, reduce drop-out rates, and encourage academic excellence. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s decision to continue and strengthen this policy, despite prevailing economic challenges, speaks volumes about his prioritization of education as a key driver of sustainable development.
Beyond the WAEC fee payment, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has shown remarkable foresight in strengthening the educational landscape of Ondo State. A recent example is the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into a full-fledged university, a move that expands higher education opportunities for indigenes and contributes to human capital development in the state. This decision, coupled with the WASSCE fee initiative, is a clear signal that the governor is not only investing in today’s students but also in the long-term transformation of the state’s educational sector.
Education plays a pivotal role in the overall development of any society. By ensuring that students in public schools can take their WASSCE without financial hindrances, the Aiyedatiwa administration is laying a strong foundation for a more educated, skilled, and employable workforce. This will undoubtedly translate into positive economic and social growth for Ondo State in the years to come.
Ondo State has historically been a beacon of educational excellence, producing some of Nigeria’s finest minds across various disciplines. This latest intervention is a reaffirmation of that legacy. It provides hope, reassurance, and motivation for students to strive for excellence, knowing that their government stands firmly behind them.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s initiative is not just about settling examination fees, it is about empowerment, opportunity, and the unwavering belief in the potential of the state’s youth. This move sends a strong message that education remains at the heart of Ondo’s development agenda.
As Ondo State continues to navigate economic challenges, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s bold commitment to education, without doubt, gives hope. The ₦634 million WASSCE fee payment is a powerful step toward ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to complete their secondary education and take a step closer to fulfilling their dreams. Coupled with the recent upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to a university, this initiative signals a brighter, more prosperous future for Ondo State, one where education remains the foundation for progress.
Indeed, with policies like these, the future of Ondo’s education sector, and by extension, its overall development, looks promising. Governor Aiyedatiwa deserves resounding applause for prioritizing the youth, strengthening the state’s educational infrastructure, and securing a better tomorrow for all.
Comrade Olufemi Lawson is the Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, he sent in this piece from Akure, Ondo State.
