When Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced on September 2, 2025, that his administration had approved a fresh ₦350 million scholarship and bursary package for Ondo State students, the news spread quickly across campuses and social media platforms. For many young people in tertiary institutions, this gesture is more than just financial relief—it is a strong statement that education remains at the heart of the state’s priorities.
The governor’s spokesperson, Ebenezer Adeniyan, explained that the fund would be distributed across several categories of scholarships and bursaries for indigent students of Ondo origin, spread across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide. The announcement, though official, carried a human weight: it meant school fees could finally be paid, accommodation secured, and textbooks purchased.
As students continue to grapple with inflation and the rising cost of living, the bursary could not have come at a better time. It is not only a lifeline for struggling households but also an investment in the intellectual capital of the state.
Table of Contents
Building on Past Commitments by the Aiyedatiwa Administration
This latest allocation represents a gradual but steady growth in the state’s financial commitment to students. In 2024, the Aiyedatiwa administration released ₦335 million to cover similar bursary and scholarship awards. At that time, the scheme reached 11,200 beneficiaries. Now, with ₦350 million earmarked, the circle of support has been widened to 12,000 students, ensuring more young people receive some form of assistance.
The expansion is deliberate. Governor Aiyedatiwa reminded citizens that his government had already raised bursary payments from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 per student last year, doubling the support given to ordinary undergraduates. Students living with disabilities received a higher package of ₦75,000, while scholarship winners in professional courses such as law and medicine were given ₦100,000 each.
Those increments may look modest on paper, but in practice, they represent a shift in attitude. For many years, bursary payments in Ondo had stagnated, with students often complaining about delays and insufficient funds. By raising the bar, Aiyedatiwa is signalling that education is not a token gesture—it is a serious investment.
A political observer in Akure noted:
“The governor is trying to strengthen trust between young people and government. Students need to see that leaders remember them, especially in these difficult times. ₦20,000 may not pay all the bills, but it gives families breathing space.”
Who Really Benefits from the Aiyedatiwa’s Scholarship?
The 2025 scholarship and bursary scheme has been structured to ensure fairness and inclusiveness. Five distinct categories have been highlighted: general bursaries for undergraduates, scholarships for high-achieving students, awards for medical and law students, packages for those with disabilities, and financial assistance to cover special cases.
For students living with disabilities, the scheme is more than just cash—it is an acknowledgement of their struggles. Many of them face additional costs, from mobility aids to specialised learning tools, which regular bursaries cannot cover. By setting aside a higher stipend, the state government is encouraging inclusivity in higher education.
Similarly, the recognition of professional fields such as medicine and law reflects a long-term vision. Ondo, like much of Nigeria, suffers a brain drain as young professionals seek greener pastures abroad. By providing extra scholarships, the state hopes to motivate more students to complete their training locally and perhaps serve their communities before considering emigration.
A student of Medicine at the University of Ibadan, who hails from Okitipupa, put it bluntly:
“I had considered deferring my studies because of rising fees. With this bursary, I can push on. It’s not everything, but it shows somebody somewhere cares.”
A Continuum of Educational Support
The scholarship announcement did not come in isolation. Just two weeks earlier, the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) had begun its own disbursement for the 2023/2024 session. Over 4,800 students from oil-producing communities in the state benefited from that scheme.
This shows a pattern: Aiyedatiwa’s government is attempting to synchronise different funding streams to ensure no student falls through the cracks. While OSOPADEC focuses on a specific region, the state scholarship board casts a wider net across all Ondo indigenes in tertiary institutions.
Governor Aiyedatiwa himself emphasised this moral duty, saying:
“Many of our students face significant financial challenges in pursuing their academic dreams. That is why we provide bursary and scholarship awards, as well as financial assistance, to support them, alleviate financial burdens, and enable them to focus on their studies. These awards are a testament to our commitment to investing in the future of our state and our country.”
His words highlight the human side of governance—recognising that behind every figure in the budget is a student with a name, a family, and a dream.
What This Means for the Future
Ondo State has long prided itself on its reputation for producing intellectuals, academics, and professionals. From universities in Akure to polytechnics in Owo and beyond, the state’s youth form part of the backbone of Nigeria’s academic community. However, economic realities have strained families’ ability to fund higher education.
By maintaining consistent bursary allocations, the state is keeping hope alive for thousands of students. Experts argue that when governments prioritise education, they indirectly reduce crime rates, strengthen civic participation, and prepare a workforce that can attract investment.
Of course, challenges remain. Some students complain that payments sometimes arrive late, disrupting their financial planning. Others argue that even ₦20,000 cannot cover today’s tuition or hostel costs. These criticisms are valid, yet most agree that receiving something is better than nothing—and that continuity matters more than one-off gestures.
A final-year Law student in Lagos expressed it this way:
“Government bursary is not supposed to be our entire funding. But when you add it to what parents give, and maybe a small side hustle, it completes the puzzle. What we fear most is inconsistency. We want to know it will come every year.”
Conclusion: A Seed for Tomorrow
The approval of ₦350 million for scholarships and bursaries may not solve all the financial challenges facing students in Ondo State, but it plants a seed of trust. It signals that in spite of Nigeria’s tough economy, education has not been abandoned.
For every student who stays in school because of this fund, the state invests in its own future. And for every young person who feels remembered by government policy, the bond between leaders and citizens grows stronger.
Ondo State’s scholarship and bursary scheme may not make headlines beyond Nigeria’s borders, but within the state, it is shaping destinies—one bursary payment at a time.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
READ THE LATEST EDUCATION NEWS
