The Director-General of Opomulero Group/Movement, Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael, has commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for approving ₦400 million for the 2026 bursary, scholarship and financial assistance programme for 13,360 students of Ondo State origin across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

According to the DG, the intervention is more than a financial package; it is a direct investment in the future of Ondo State and a demonstration that the Aiyedatiwa administration understands the importance of removing financial barriers that could prevent young people from completing their education.

He described the decision to support 11,907 bursary beneficiaries, 614 scholarship beneficiaries, 239 Law School students, 500 medical students undergoing clinical training and 100 physically challenged students as an inclusive approach to educational support.

“Education is not simply about attending school; it is about building the human capital that will drive Ondo State tomorrow. By committing ₦400 million to students, Governor Aiyedatiwa is investing directly in the people who will become the professionals, entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, lawyers and leaders of the future.

“This is what responsible governance should look like — identifying the needs of the people and putting resources behind solutions,” he said.

The Opomulero DG also noted that the intervention goes beyond tertiary bursaries and scholarships. He highlighted the reported ₦633.918 million approval for 2026 WASSCE registration fees for students in public secondary schools, the digital literacy programme involving tablets for students in 50 public schools, and plans for a digital registry of Ondo State students across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

He said the proposed digital registry could improve transparency, verification and planning in the management of student support programmes.

“Creating a reliable database of Ondo students is a welcome step. Government cannot effectively plan educational interventions when it does not have accurate information about the people it is supporting. A digital registry can make the system more transparent, data-driven and easier to monitor,” he added.

Hon. Olakunori further commended the Governor for the proposed transformation of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Owo, as well as plans for Colleges of Nursing and Education at Igbokoda and Aboto.

He said these initiatives, if effectively implemented, would expand access to specialised education and strengthen the state’s capacity to produce skilled manpower in critical sectors.

The DG also welcomed the Governor’s approval of scholarship support for the child of late student leader Comrade Mary Ogunga, describing the gesture as a compassionate response to a difficult circumstance.

“This particular gesture shows that government policies can also have a human face. Supporting the child of a deceased student leader demonstrates compassion and ensures that a family tragedy does not automatically become an educational tragedy for the child,” he said.

Hon. Olakunori urged beneficiaries to reciprocate the opportunity through academic excellence, discipline, integrity and responsible citizenship.

He said students benefiting from government support should understand that public resources are being invested in their future and should therefore strive to become productive contributors to Ondo State and Nigeria.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa is putting resources into education, but the students also have a responsibility. They must take their studies seriously, embrace technology, acquire skills and prepare themselves to contribute meaningfully to society.

“An educated and empowered young population is one of the greatest assets any state can have,” he said.

The DG maintained that the latest education intervention further demonstrates the administration’s emphasis on human-capital development as a component of its broader development agenda.

He urged students, parents and stakeholders in the education sector to support initiatives that expand access to education while also demanding effective implementation and accountability.

“₦400 million supporting 13,360 students is not just a figure. Behind every beneficiary is a family, an aspiration and a future. We commend Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for giving those aspirations institutional support,” Hon. Olakunori said.