…Gift N1m to each outstanding students, teachers

Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has rewarded outstanding students, teachers, and national award recipients for their exceptional performances, approving automatic employment into the state public service for seven recipients in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) award category.

The governor announced the employment opportunity during the presentation of awards to outstanding education achievers at the Cocoa Conference Centre, Governor’s Office, Akure, where he also presented N1 million each to all 66 award recipients as appreciation for their dedication and hard work.

According to Aiyedatiwa, the gesture was part of his administration’s commitment to promoting excellence and retaining exceptional talents in the state, stressing that sustained investment in human capital development remained the foundation of the state’s long-term growth.

The governor emphasized that the awardees have brought honour to the state through their academic achievements, innovation, discipline, and commitment to excellence.

“You have not only excelled in your various endeavors; you have become worthy ambassadors of the Sunshine State and shining examples for generations yet unborn,” he said.

He paid tribute to teachers, describing them as “the architects of human capital and the silent heroes behind every success story we celebrate today.

“Countries are not built by chance; they are built in classrooms by committed teachers who mold character, impart knowledge, and inspire dreams. History may remember the achievers, but posterity will always honor those who nurtured them for greatness.”

He added that the government’s goal is to produce youths who are intellectually sound, morally upright, technologically competent, entrepreneurial, and globally competitive.

“Education must produce not only certificate holders but also responsible citizens, innovative thinkers, problem-solvers, and future leaders,” he said.

The award categories included the NYSC National Award, where seven awardees were honored, and the JAMB candidates category, which recognized 54 students who scored above 300 out of 400 in the 2026 examinations.

Others honored were students who represented Ondo State in national competitions and Nigeria in international competitions, including one student at the National Spelling Bee Global Competition in the United States of America in 2026, one participant at the World Olympiad Competition in Paris, France, in 2025, and two students who competed at the World Olympiad Competition in Chemistry held in Uzbekistan in 2026.

Two teachers were also recognized under the National Award (Teachers) category, comprising one recipient from the public school category and another from the private school category.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the recognition was designed to encourage excellence and inspire students and teachers across the state.

Ajibefun said education remains a major priority of the Aiyedatiwa administration, adding that the governor had directed the compilation of names of students and citizens who had distinguished themselves academically for recognition.