A coalition of students under the Students’ Wing of the Yayi Progressive Movement has urged the next governor of Ogun State to allocate 26 percent of the state’s annual budget to education, citing the UNESCO benchmark for education funding.
The appeal was made on Wednesday during a solidarity rally in Abeokuta, where students declared their support for the governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi), the senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District.
Students Demand Greater Investment in Education
Speaking at the rally, the Coordinator of the Students’ Wing, Oladotun Opaleye, said the group would continue to engage Senator Adeola on the need to prioritize education funding if elected governor.
According to him, increased budgetary allocation is essential for improving the quality of education across the state.
“We have a UNESCO benchmark of 26 percent for education funding. Beyond supporting his aspiration, we will continue to advocate for the implementation of that benchmark because we believe he values quality education,” he said.
Commends Scholarship and Bursary Initiative
Opaleye praised Senator Adeola for his recent education support programme, which provided bursaries and scholarships to 5,312 students across Ogun State.
He described the intervention as a significant contribution to educational development, noting that it was implemented without conditions attached.
According to the student leader, the initiative demonstrates the senator’s commitment to supporting students and expanding access to education.
Call for Improved Campus Infrastructure
The students also appealed for increased investment in infrastructure across tertiary institutions in Ogun State.
They urged the governorship hopeful to prioritize the renovation and construction of:
- Modern classrooms.
- Science and technology laboratories.
- Learning facilities.
- Other essential educational infrastructure.
Opaleye said many campuses require urgent upgrades to provide students with a conducive learning environment.
Students Pledge Support Ahead of 2027 Election
The movement reaffirmed its support for Senator Adeola’s governorship ambition and expressed confidence in mobilizing student voters ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.
According to Opaleye, the group aims to deliver 250,000 votes from the student community in support of the senator.
He said the movement would continue engaging students across the state while advocating for policies that strengthen education, improve learning facilities, and expand opportunities for young people.
The students maintained that sustained investment in education remains essential for human capital development and the long-term social and economic progress of Ogun State.
