Aiyedatiwa rewards outstanding Ondo students, teachers, offers jobs to NYSC awardees
By Boye Oyeyemi
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday honoured outstanding students, teachers and National Youth Service Corps award recipients, announcing automatic employment into the state public service for seven NYSC national award winners.
The governor, who spoke during an award ceremony held at the Cocoa Conference Centre, Governor’s Office, Akure, also presented a cash reward of N1 million each to 67 award recipients in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements and contributions to education.
Aiyedatiwa said the gesture reflected his administration’s commitment to promoting excellence and retaining exceptional talents in the state, noting that investment in human capital remained critical to sustainable development. He said, “You have not only excelled in your various endeavours; you have become worthy ambassadors of Ondo State and shining examples for generations yet unborn. Excellence is attained through vision, sacrifice, discipline, perseverance and the courage to pursue greatness despite challenges.”
The governor also paid glowing tribute to teachers, describing them as the foundation of national development. “Countries are not built by chance; they are built in classrooms by committed teachers who mould character, impart knowledge and inspire dreams. History may remember the achievers, but posterity will always honour those who nurtured them for greatness,” the governor stated.
He added that the awards aligned with his administration’s “OUR EASE” agenda, which prioritises education through improved school infrastructure, teacher recruitment and training, digital learning, technical education, workers’ welfare and the provision of safe learning environments. According to him, the goal is to produce responsible, innovative and globally competitive youths.
The award categories included seven NYSC National Award recipients, 54 candidates who scored above 300 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, students who represented Ondo State and Nigeria in international academic competitions in the United States, France and Uzbekistan, as well as two teachers recognised for outstanding performance in the public and private school categories.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the initiative was designed to encourage academic excellence and inspire students and teachers across the state.
He commended the governor for institutionalising the recognition programme, describing it as a landmark initiative that would motivate more learners and educators to strive for excellence.
