Aiyedatiwa’s varsity funding unprecedented, says APC chieftain Olabode Omoyele

 

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State, Mr. Olabode Omoyele, has hailed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the release of over N1 billion intervention fund to state-owned tertiary institutions.

 

Olabode, a public affairs analyst who hails from Okitipupa Local Government Area, described the governor’s gesture as unprecedented and a clear demonstration of commitment to education and workers’ welfare.

 

It will be recalled that Governor Aiyedatiwa had last week approved a special intervention fund of N1.1 billion to Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA, to offset outstanding salaries for May and June and approved additional funds for the implementation of the Federal Government/University-based unions agreement.

 

The approval also covers the payment of Consolidated Academic and Technical Allowance, CATTA, and Consolidated Teaching and Non-Teaching Allowance, CONTTA, for staff of state universities.

 

Reacting to the development in a statement made available to Newsmen on Monday in Lagos, Olabode said the timely intervention would not only stabilise the academic calendar but also restore confidence in the state-owned institutions.

 

“Governor Aiyedatiwa has once again demonstrated that he is a listening leader who keeps his word. The release of over N1 billion at this critical time, barely weeks after approving a 60 percent increase in subvention to all state-owned tertiary institutions, is unprecedented in the annals of this state,” he said.

 

According to him, the governor’s action would put an end to the prolonged industrial dispute and enable students to complete their programmes as scheduled.

 

Olabode noted that beyond salary payments, the implementation of CATTA and CONTTA would boost staff morale, enhance productivity and position institutions like AAUA, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, and the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, as centres of excellence.

 

He urged stakeholders, including university management and unions, to reciprocate the governor’s goodwill by ensuring judicious utilisation of the funds and a return to classrooms.

 

“Education remains the bedrock of sustainable development. What Governor Aiyedatiwa has done deserves commendation from all lovers of education in Ondo State and beyond,” Olabiode Omoyele added.