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By Ijanusi Olawale
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Proposed School Fee Hike from 37,700 Naira To 140,000 Naira: A Cruel Burden On Ondo State Citizens
Reports are circulating that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa plans to raise the school fees at the Ondo State College of Health Technology from 37,700 Naira to a staggering 140,000 Naira. Although this decision has not been officially finalized, on September 10, 2024, the school’s management, through the registrar, released and posted a new fee schedule for both new and returning students within the school premises. The fact that this increase is being considered at all highlights just how disconnected the governor is from the daily struggles of the people of Ondo State.
At a time when families are already grappling with severe economic challenges, the proposal to hike school fees by such a significant margin is both insensitive and thoughtless. Many parents are already struggling to provide for their children’s basic needs, and this proposed increase would only deepen the burden on them.
9Governor Aiyedatiwa’s willingness to entertain this decision demonstrates a lack of compassion and foresight, showing little regard for the well-being of the citizens he was elected to serve.
Right now, many parents are finding it difficult to provide even the most basic needs for their children. To even think about increasing school fees to such an outrageous amount would put even more pressure on families who are already stretched to their limits. This proposal shows that the governor does not understand, or simply doesn’t care, about the extreme challenges people are facing.
Adding to the problem is the current poor state of the institution itself. The school lacks essential infrastructure—there are no proper roads, and the hostels are in terrible condition, unfit for students to live in. Instead of fixing these problems, the government is focused on increasing fees, asking families to pay more for a substandard learning environment.
What’s even more concerning is that most of the students that are from Ondo States, about 80%, come from the southern parts of Ondo State, like Ikale and Ilaje, regions already known for economic hardship. For the governor, who hails from this very area, to even consider raising fees for these students is both shocking and disappointing. It shows a complete disregard for the suffering of his own people and their efforts to provide a better future for their children through education.
Education should be affordable and accessible, not a privilege only for those who can afford it. If this fee hike goes through, many hardworking students could be forced to drop out, increasing the gap between the rich and the poor. The governor’s focus on raising fees instead of improving education for all shows a government more interested in money than the welfare of its people.
With the upcoming gubernatorial elections in November, the people of Ondo State have a chance to make a real change. It’s time to vote for a government that listens to the needs of the people, understands their struggles, and works for a better future for all. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has shown, time and time again, that it is disconnected from the reality on the ground. The proposed fee hike is just another example of leadership that does not have the best interests of its citizens at heart.
Ondo State deserves better. It’s time for the people to vote for a government that truly cares about their well-being. Let your voice be heard at the ballot box, and demand the change you deserve.
