By Adesina Wahab

Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, has been lauded for his impactful leadership in the state which has led to numerous legacy projects being executed.

A statement by Comrade Alao John; National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Presidential Spokesperson on Thursday said six years of Makinde’s leadership has shown the governor’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of Oyo State.

“As the administration of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, marks six years in office, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) proudly acknowledges the Governor’s unwavering commitment to education, youth empowerment, and holistic development in Oyo State.

“Governor Makinde’s tenure has been characterized by strategic investments and policies that have significantly improved the educational landscape, infrastructure, agriculture, and security, directly benefiting students and the broader populace.

“His contribution to the education sector saw the governor reducing school fees at Emmanuel Alayande College of Education by 10% in 2020 and at LAUTECH by 25% in 2021 after Oyo State assumed sole ownership of the institution. Full scholarships were awarded to 136 nursing and midwifery students across all LGAs and LCDAs in 2022. Bursaries of N500,000 were also paid to Oyo State indigenes in the Nigerian Law School in 2021.

“Oyo State achieved sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), leading to a 25% reduction in tuition fees and the establishment of a new campus in Iseyin, enhancing access to quality tertiary education.

“The transformation of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education into a University of Education and increased funding for state-owned institutions have broadened educational opportunities.

“Infrastructure Development: Projects include the Seyi Makinde Office Complex at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and a Central Laboratory Complex at The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki.

Support for Special Needs Education: Provision of braille textbooks, recruitment of 100 caregivers, and establishment of special schools underscore the administration’s inclusive approach to education.

Model Schools: Construction of 60 modern model schools across the state, equipped with improved learning facilities.”

In the transportation sector, Also John listed

28 buses distributed to ease activities of Students Unions across all institutions in the state, the Governor’s administration procured and distributed 28 buses to tertiary institutions and various Students association in Oyo State. This intervention has improved mobility and reduced transportation stress for thousands of students and academic staff.

“Construction of over 60 model schools, renovation of more than 700 classrooms, and recruitment of 7,000 primary and 7,500 secondary school teachers have significantly improved the learning environment.

“Road Development: Completion of 335.77 kilometres of roads, including key projects like the Moniya-Iseyin and Oyo-Iseyin roads, has enhanced connectivity and stimulated economic activities Governor Makinde’s administration has revitalized the agricultural sector: Agribusiness Development: Through the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), the state attracted over $120 million in development funds and N50 billion in investments, creating employment opportunities for over 3,300 youths trained in agribusiness.”

He also mentioned giant strides recorded in the health care sector, security and ensuring an improvement in the general well being of the people of the state.

“Governor Seyi Makinde’s six-year tenure stands as a testament to effective governance, with tangible improvements in education, infrastructure, agriculture, and healthcare. His administration’s student-centric policies have not only elevated the standard of living in Oyo State but have also set a benchmark for other states to emulate.

NANS extends its heartfelt appreciation to Governor Makinde for his unwavering dedication to the youth and the future of Nigeria. We urge continued support for his initiatives to sustain and build upon these remarkable achievements.”