As schools in the 18 local government areas of Ondo State resumed on Monday, the Chairman of the Akure South LG, Mr Gbenga Fasua, has donated over 10,00 books and 500 school bags to the indigent pupils in the council area.
Fasua, who is also the state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in the state, became the executive chairman of the local government after winning the council election, held across the state last year.
Ondo State has, over the years, struggled with challenges in the education sector, particularly in the area of infrastructure and access to learning materials for pupils in public schools.
According to the Universal Basic Education Commission, many schools in the state, like those in other parts of Nigeria, face shortages of teaching and learning resources, with parents often struggling to meet basic educational costs for their children.
Government at various levels has introduced interventions to address these gaps. In 2023, the Ondo State Government launched several initiatives under its EASE Agenda to improve access to quality education, focusing on reducing dropout rates and supporting indigent pupils. Local government councils have been urged to complement these efforts through grassroots-oriented educational support.
At the distribution of the books held at the council secretariat in Akure on Monday, Fasua noted that the gesture was to encourage and assist the parents in the pursuit of their children’s education.
He also explained that the gesture was part of his administration’s commitment to sound education for children of the council area.
It was gathered that the beneficiaries were the pupils of public and private schools in the local government.
He stated, “I am honoured to launch the Dr. Fasua Educational Ease Agenda, our Back-to-School initiative in Akure South LG. Today, we are beginning the distribution of school bags and notebooks to pupils in both public and private schools in our local government area, in collaboration with the EASE Agenda of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa.
“Education thrives when parents, teachers, and communities work together. One of the biggest obstacles for many families is the cost of school materials, which can prevent children from attending school. Our goal is to ease this burden and show every child that their education is valued.
“This initiative aims at equipping every child with the necessary materials as they return to school, ensuring they are prepared and confident. It is part of our commitment to improve access to education and reduce dropout rates.”
He also pledged to improve school infrastructure, support education by providing teacher training, and offer scholarships for students.
The council boss, who commended Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa for his leadership and support, urged the parents and teachers to handle the materials with care.
“To our teachers, thank you for your dedication; please distribute these materials with care. Parents, this relief is for you—engage in your children’s education, as your involvement is vital.
“This is just the beginning of the Dr Fasua Educational Ease Agenda. We will also focus on improving school infrastructure, providing teacher training, and offering scholarships for vulnerable pupils.
“Pupils, you are the reason we do this. Work hard, respect your teachers, and take care of your materials. Your success reflects our collective effort,” Fasua admonished.
PUNCH Online reports that Nigeria’s overall education sector also faces systemic challenges. The United Nations Children’s Fund estimates that about 10.5 million children of primary school age are out of school in the country, with poverty and lack of school materials among the key drivers.
Interventions like book and bag donations are therefore considered important measures in keeping children in school, particularly in rural and low-income communities.
