Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has approved a 60 per cent increase in monthly subventions to all state-owned tertiary institutions as part of efforts to strengthen the education sector and improve staff welfare.
The governor also approved the immediate implementation of the agreement reached between the Federal Government and university-based unions, a move expected to address long-standing welfare concerns and enhance industrial harmony across the institutions.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the two approvals take immediate effect from this month.
The statement explained that the increase in subventions is aimed at boosting the financial capacity of the institutions, ensuring prompt payment of salaries and improving the overall learning environment for both students and staff.
It added that the implementation of the Federal Government-unions agreement will cover all relevant state-owned tertiary institutions in Ondo State, aligning them with national standards while improving the welfare of academic and non-academic staff.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the interventions underscore his administration’s commitment to quality education and the well-being of workers in the state.
He urged the management of the affected institutions to make judicious use of the increased funding, with emphasis on staff welfare, improved service delivery and academic excellence.
The governor also appealed to labour unions within the institutions to reciprocate the government’s gesture by sustaining industrial peace and remaining committed to the delivery of quality education.
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s determination to position Ondo State as a leading hub for tertiary education, assuring that his government would continue to implement policies and programmes that support the growth and development of higher institutions in the state.