Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed strong confidence in indigenous students of the state studying in tertiary institutions across the country, saying their conduct and achievements have justified the state government’s sustained investment in education and human capital development.
The governor made the remarks at his country home in Ikogosi Ekiti while hosting the leadership of various students’ union bodies in the state. The delegation was led by the immediate past South West Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Mr Taiwo Owolewa, alongside representatives of indigenous students’ associations from different tertiary institutions.
Government House Reporter Yemi Olajutemu Brings Details of the report.
Oyebanji commended the students for what he described as their maturity, sense of responsibility and willingness to maintain constructive dialogue with government, noting that their cooperation had contributed significantly to sustaining peace in tertiary institutions and ensuring a stable academic calendar in the state.
He observed that the cordial relationship among students, academic unions and management of higher institutions had continued to encourage government to sustain support for the sector, including the consideration of further increments in subventions to the state owned universities.
Highlighting achievements of his administration in the education sector, the governor said his government had continued to invest in infrastructure development, research support and other initiatives aimed at strengthening tertiary education. He added that the establishment of the Ministry of Youth Development was a deliberate policy decision designed to give priority attention to youth empowerment and leadership development.
The governor also urged the students to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the president had demonstrated commitment to policies and programmes that promote the welfare and advancement of Nigerian students.
Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the students’ unions, Mr Taiwo Owolewa, commended the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises and sustaining policies that directly benefit students.
He said the students were already mobilising indigenous Ekiti students across tertiary institutions nationwide to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, expressing optimism that the mobilisation would translate to more than fifteen thousand votes in support of the governor.