- .grants 7 NYSC awardees automatic employment into public service
- gives N1m each to 67 award recipients
Ondo State Governor Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday, 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.
He 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 the 66 award recipients as a mark of honour and appreciation for their dedication and hard work.
Aiyedatiwa said the gesture was part of his administration’s commitment to promoting excellence and retaining exceptional talents in Ondo State, stressing that sustained investment in human capital development remained the foundation of the state’s long-term growth.
He described the event as a celebration of excellence and a reminder that the quality of a society’s human capital remained its greatest asset.
According to him, the awardees have brought honour to Ondo State through their academic achievements, innovation, discipline and commitment to excellence.
“You have not only excelled in your various endeavours; you have become worthy ambassadors of the Sunshine State and shining examples for generations yet unborn,” he said.
The governor said excellence was achieved through vision, sacrifice, discipline, perseverance and the courage to pursue greatness despite challenges.
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 mould character, impart knowledge and inspire dreams. History may remember the achievers, but posterity will always honour those who nurtured them for greatness”.
The governor said the recognition aligned with the education component of the OUR EASE policy agenda, noting that his administration has prioritised the rehabilitation and construction of classrooms, provision of modern learning facilities, recruitment and training of teachers, digital learning, technical and vocational education, workers’ welfare and safe learning environments.
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 responsible citizens, innovative thinkers, problem-solvers and future leaders,” he said.
The award categories included the NYSC National Award, where seven awardees were honoured, and the JAMB candidates category, which recognised 54 students who scored above 300 out of 400 in the 2026 examinations.
Others honoured 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 recognised 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.
He 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.
He described the event as historic, saying it would promote academic excellence in schools.
The commissioner commended the governor for creating the platform to celebrate academic achievements, saying the recognition would motivate students and teachers to strive for excellence.
Those present at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye; Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr Johnson Alabi; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Pastor Bola Ademuwagun; Member of State House of Assembly representing Akure South Constituency 1, Hon Olajide Oguntodu; SITA Chairman, Hon Tomide Akinribido; Proprietress of Mummy’s Place Kiddies School and Emplace College, Dr. Damilola Oshin; State Director of NYSC, Alhaja Kuburat Omowunmi, among others.
