The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olayide Adelami, has awarded full scholarships to 100 newly admitted students of Government Technical College, Owo, in a move aimed at strengthening technical education and promoting youth empowerment in the state.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Office of the Deputy Governor), Mr Johnpaul Akinduro, and made available to journalists on Saturday.

According to the statement, the scholarship covers the entire three-year training programme of the beneficiaries, removing the financial burden associated with tuition and basic welfare throughout their period of study.

It stated that the scholarship was formally announced by the Principal of the college, Mr Tayo Ijabiken, during the institution’s 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony, which marked the official induction of new students into the college.

Speaking at the event, Ijabiken expressed deep appreciation to the deputy governor for what he described as a rare and impactful gesture that would positively change the lives of the students and their families.

“It is with deep gratitude that I stand before you to express our profound appreciation to the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olayide Adelami, for the noble and generous gesture of awarding scholarships to one hundred newly admitted students of this college.

“Through this intervention, Your Excellency has not only provided financial relief to students and their families but has also inspired hope, confidence, and renewed determination in the hearts of these young learners. This support will go a long way in encouraging students to focus on their studies and excel in their chosen technical fields,” he said.

In his remarks, the deputy governor, who was represented by a former Attorney-General of the state and Commissioner for Justice, Kola Olawoye, said the scholarship scheme aligned with his commitment to supporting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s vision of revitalising technical and vocational education in Ondo State.

Dr Adelami noted that technical education remained a critical pillar for sustainable development, stressing that equipping young people with practical skills would reduce unemployment and drive economic growth.

He advised the newly matriculated students to take their training seriously, emphasising that technical education offers a viable pathway to self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

“Technical skills are essential to the development of any society. If you apply yourselves diligently, you will not only secure your future but also contribute meaningfully to the growth of Ondo State and Nigeria at large,” he said.

Beyond covering full tuition, the deputy governor also committed to the payment of daily feeding stipends for the 100 beneficiaries throughout their three-year period of study, a move described by stakeholders as unprecedented and highly supportive.

Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Ogbeni Oluyi, reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to reposition technical education in line with global best practices.

He said the administration’s focus on technical and vocational training was rooted in its broader development blueprint.

“The commitment of Governor Aiyedatiwa to technical education is firmly anchored on the OUREASE Agenda of his administration, which prioritises opportunity creation, economic expansion, social inclusion and security,” Oluyi said.

The event was attended by education stakeholders, school administrators, parents, and community leaders, many of whom commended the deputy governor’s intervention and called for sustained investment in technical institutions across the state.