As schools across Ondo State resumed on Monday, the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Mr. Gbenga Fasua, donated over 10,000 books and 500 school bags to indigent pupils in the council area.
Mr Gbenga Fasua, who also serves as the state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), became the executive chairman of the council following last year’s local government elections.
Ondo State has long faced challenges in its education sector, particularly regarding infrastructure and access to learning materials for public school students. The Universal Basic Education Commission notes that many schools nationwide experience shortages of teaching and learning resources, with parents often struggling to cover basic educational costs.
In response, government initiatives have aimed to improve access to quality education. In 2023, the Ondo State Government launched programs under its EASE Agenda to reduce dropout rates and support indigent pupils. Local councils have been encouraged to complement these efforts with grassroots educational support.
At a distribution event held at the council secretariat in Akure, Fasua emphasized that the donation was intended to ease the financial burden on parents and promote education among children. Beneficiaries included pupils from both public and private schools in the local government area.
Fasua said, “I am honoured to launch the Dr. Fasua Educational Ease Agenda, our Back-to-School initiative in Akure South LG. Today, we are distributing school bags and notebooks to pupils, in collaboration with the EASE Agenda of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa. Education thrives when parents, teachers, and communities work together.”
While speaking with the newsmen, He said “One of the biggest obstacles for many families is the cost of school materials. Our goal is to ease this burden and ensure every child feels valued and prepared for learning. This initiative is part of our commitment to improve access to education and reduce dropout rates.”
Fasua also pledged to enhance school infrastructure, provide teacher training, and offer scholarships to vulnerable students. He commended Governor Ayedatiwa for his support and urged parents and teachers to make proper use of the donated materials.