By Collins Olagundoye
The Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as Chief Host, was ably represented by the Director General/Chief Executive of OSRC Media Group, Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson, at the Public Lecture and Award Event organized by Herald Magazine. The event, themed “Educational Crisis in Nigeria: WAEC/NECO, A Case Study,” brought together stakeholders in the education sector to discuss the challenges facing the system and proffer solutions.
In his remarks, the Governor emphasized the importance of education in shaping the future of the state and country, noting that it is a fundamental necessity and a critical component of development. He highlighted the initiatives implemented by his administration to improve the quality of education in Ondo State, including:
- Payment of WAEC registration fees for thousands of secondary school students
- Payment of NABTEB examination fees for students in technical colleges
- Establishment of a robust scholarship and bursary scheme for Ondo State indigenes in tertiary institutions
- Recruitment of over 2,000 teachers for both primary and secondary schools
- Distribution of free learning materials and sports equipment to public schools in Ondo State
The Governor commended the organizers of the event, Herald Magazine, for choosing a critical theme and recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to education and public service in Ondo State. He acknowledged the contribution of the royal father of the event, Oba Barr Ajimokunala Olofin-Adimula (Arulewolasi II), the Iralepo of Isikan kingdom.
The event provided a platform for meaningful discussions and solutions to the challenges facing the education system, with Dr. Sola Isijola delivering a keynote lecture on the topic. The Governor’s presence at the event underscores his commitment to education and his determination to make Ondo State a hub for academic excellence.
Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson, Director General/Chief Executive of OSRC Media Group, represented the Governor at the event, highlighting the group’s role in promoting education and development in the state. The Governor urged all stakeholders to collaborate with government to proffer solutions that will improve the quality of education in Ondo State and country, and congratulated the awardees on their well-deserved recognition.