In a major stride toward promoting inclusive education and easing financial burdens on students, the Ondo State Government has officially approved a 100% increment in bursary allowances for indigent students of the state across various higher institutions in Nigeria.
This significant development, which was announced on Thursday, marks a renewed commitment by the state government to prioritize education and empower young people from low-income backgrounds to pursue academic excellence without financial distress.
Government Confirms 100% Increase in Bursary for Ondo Students
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Laolu Akindolire, during a consultative meeting with stakeholders in Akure. According to the commissioner, the decision was reached after a careful review of the current economic realities and the growing financial challenges faced by many students of Ondo origin across the country.
Mr. Akindolire explained that the bursary increment is part of the state’s broader vision under the 2026 fiscal year budget, which seeks to strengthen human capital development through strategic investment in education and youth empowerment.
“This administration is determined to make education accessible to all, regardless of economic background. The bursary increase reflects our understanding of the sacrifices parents and guardians make to support their children in school,” he stated.
He further emphasized that the move was in line with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s developmental agenda, aimed at ensuring that no student of Ondo origin is forced to abandon their studies due to lack of funds.
Beneficiaries to Include Students in Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education
The approved bursary increment is not limited to one category of students. It will cut across all recognized public and private universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education where Ondo indigenes are enrolled.
This means that thousands of students studying across Nigeria will benefit directly from the state’s new policy. The bursary scheme, previously considered inadequate due to inflation and rising tuition costs, will now offer relief to many families struggling to finance higher education.
Educational analysts in the state have described the move as “long overdue” and “a welcome relief” that will encourage more students to remain focused and motivated throughout their academic journey.
A Strategic Move Under the 2026 Fiscal Year Budget
The bursary increment forms part of the Ondo State Government’s wider strategic reforms in the education sector. Mr. Akindolire noted that the measure aligns with the administration’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and 2026 budget plans, both of which focus on sustainable development, economic growth, and youth empowerment.
He added that the government has consistently prioritized education funding, with special attention on improving infrastructure, teacher welfare, and student support programs.
According to him, the bursary increment also symbolizes the government’s acknowledgment of the crucial role that young people play in the socio-economic development of the state.
Commissioner Calls for Support from Private Sector and Development Partners
In addition to the bursary increment, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget urged private sector organizations, development agencies, and philanthropic individuals to complement the government’s effort in funding education and youth initiatives.
He stressed that the state cannot do it alone, calling for a collective effort to sustain and expand educational support systems.
“The government is doing its part, but the involvement of private individuals, corporate bodies, and development partners is essential for greater impact. Together, we can ensure that our youth are well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities ahead,” he added.
Reactions from Students and Education Stakeholders
Following the announcement, there has been widespread commendation from students, parents, and educational bodies. Many students of Ondo origin have expressed their gratitude to the state government for taking this bold step at a time when inflation, fuel prices, and general cost of living have made higher education increasingly expensive.
A student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), described the decision as a “life-changing gesture,” noting that many indigent students often depend solely on bursary payments for feeding, accommodation, and academic materials.
Another beneficiary from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), said the increment would go a long way in helping students concentrate more on their studies instead of worrying about financial difficulties.
Stakeholders in the education sector, including lecturers and student union representatives, have also applauded the government’s proactive approach, emphasizing that the gesture would reduce student dropouts and boost morale across tertiary institutions.
Ondo State’s Consistent Commitment to Education
Ondo State has long been recognized as one of the Nigerian states that actively invest in education and youth empowerment. Over the years, the state government has implemented various programs such as scholarship awards, skill acquisition initiatives, and educational infrastructure development projects to enhance learning outcomes.
The latest bursary increase builds upon this foundation, reflecting the government’s intention to maintain Ondo’s status as an education-friendly state that values knowledge and innovation.
Observers believe that the 100% bursary increase is not only an economic intervention but also a moral statement — one that shows the government’s empathy for struggling students and families in these challenging times.
What This Means for Ondo Students Going Forward
For many Ondo students, this policy shift is expected to bring immediate relief and renewed motivation to pursue academic excellence. The increment doubles the financial support available to them and signals that their government recognizes the importance of investing in its future leaders.
Educational experts have suggested that the government should ensure prompt disbursement of the bursary to maximize its intended impact. They also recommended that the state should introduce a transparent, technology-driven system for bursary registration and payment to avoid delays and bottlenecks.
Conclusion
The Ondo State Government’s decision to approve a 100% increase in bursary allowances for indigent students stands as one of the most impactful education-related policies of the year. It demonstrates the administration’s clear understanding of the struggles faced by students and its determination to cushion the effects of economic hardship on the state’s youth population.
As preparations for the 2026 fiscal year continue, the gesture reinforces Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to education, youth development, and inclusive governance. For many indigent students, this policy represents not just financial assistance, but hope — a sign that their dreams and academic pursuits truly matter to the government of Ondo State.
