Abiodun Reaffirms Education as Ogun State’s Development Backbone
Ogun State education reform took center stage as Governor Dapo Abiodun Reaffirms Education as Ogun State’s Development Backbone stating his administration’s commitment to positioning the Gateway State as Nigeria’s academic capital. Speaking at a high level education summit in Abeokuta, the governor described education as a non negotiable pillar of development, stressing that no society can achieve sustainable economic growth without a strong and competitive educational foundation.
Governor Abiodun outlined a comprehensive roadmap aimed at strengthening primary and secondary education through the integration of modern technology, improved infrastructure, and enhanced teacher welfare. According to him, accessible and resilient education systems remain critical to preparing young people for a rapidly changing global economy.
He emphasized that the state’s prioritization of education is reflected in deliberate investments across the sector. With Ogun State hosting the highest number of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, the governor stated that the state must take the lead in aligning academic learning with industrial and workforce demands. He explained that producing graduates who can solve real problems and support industrial growth remains a core objective of his administration.
A major highlight of the governor’s address was the ongoing Yellow Roof initiative, a large scale school rehabilitation program targeting over one thousand public schools across the state’s three senatorial districts. The project goes beyond structural renovation to include modern classroom furniture, fully equipped science laboratories, and functional computer centers. These efforts, he noted, have already contributed to increased school enrollment and a noticeable reduction in out of school children.
Governor Abiodun also outlined key policy interventions shaping the future of education in Ogun State. The OgunSEA program focuses on strengthening Science, Engineering, and Arts education through the use of digital learning tools. Teacher welfare reforms ensure timely salary payments, regular promotions, and continuous professional development to keep educators aligned with global best practices. The integration of vocational and technical skills into basic education aims to equip students with practical competencies from an early age.
At the tertiary level, the governor reaffirmed full support for state owned institutions including Olabisi Onabanjo University, Tai Solarin University of Education, and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. He said these institutions are being repositioned as research driven centers that provide intellectual input for government policy and economic planning.
Governor Abiodun added that the state is working closely with the National Universities Commission to secure full accreditation for all academic programs. This focus on quality assurance, he explained, protects students and ensures their qualifications remain competitive both within Nigeria and internationally. Expanded scholarship programs are also in place to support brilliant students from low income backgrounds.
In his closing remarks, the governor called on parents, guardians, and private sector stakeholders to collaborate with the government, stressing that education is a shared responsibility. His vision, he said, is to leave a lasting legacy of academic excellence that positions Ogun State as a benchmark for education across West Africa.
As the administration advances into the next phase of its development agenda, its priority remains firm. Every child in Ogun State must have access to quality, inclusive, and affordable education. The governor maintained that a well educated population is the greatest asset any society can possess, and Ogun State is fully committed to leading that transformation.