Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in education, saying continued support for schools and tertiary institutions remains central to human capital development in the state.
Oyebanji’s position forms part of his administration’s broader focus on strengthening education infrastructure, improving learning conditions and supporting institutions across the state.
The governor has repeatedly identified education and human capital development as important components of his administration’s development agenda. In a 2026 address outlining his priorities for the state, he said greater attention would be given to the education sector alongside infrastructure, healthcare and rural development.
Focus on education and human capital development
The Ekiti State Government has described education as a key component of its human capital development strategy.
The administration has previously said its interventions are aimed not only at improving literacy and numeracy but also at developing skills that can enable young people to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
In an earlier statement, Oyebanji said his administration had made significant investments in education and intended to keep Ekiti at the forefront of technology-supported learning at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.
The state government has also linked its education policies to its wider objective of improving opportunities for young people and strengthening the state’s long-term economic prospects.
Investment in schools and basic education
The administration has reported several interventions in public schools, including infrastructure rehabilitation, provision of learning materials and support for educational facilities.
According to the Ekiti State Government, more than ₦1.2 billion was disbursed as running grants to primary, secondary, special schools and technical colleges during the 2024/2025 academic session.
The government also reported the renovation, furnishing and equipping of 18 libraries and 105 science laboratories, alongside the construction of perimeter fencing for 46 schools. It further said 2,978 units of school furniture and learning materials were procured and distributed.
The interventions are intended to improve the physical environment in which teaching and learning take place, while providing schools with resources required for effective academic activities.
The state government has also said it remains committed to free and compulsory education for school-age children.
Support for tertiary institutions
Investment has also extended to Ekiti’s tertiary institutions.
In July 2026, Oyebanji approved the retention of the governing councils of the state-owned tertiary institutions, including Ekiti State University, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ekiti State Polytechnic and the Ekiti State College of Health Sciences and Technology.
The governor said retaining the councils was intended to provide continuity, strengthen institutional governance and consolidate progress recorded in the institutions.
The decision came as the administration continued to emphasise stability and institutional support within the state’s higher education system.
Earlier, the governor had also pledged continued government support for teaching, research and infrastructure at Ekiti State University.
In January 2025, the state government highlighted increased monthly subvention to the university, improved staff welfare and infrastructure development as part of its support for the institution.
Technology and skills development
The education agenda has also included the use of technology in teaching and learning.
Oyebanji’s administration has previously supported teacher ICT training and smart-school initiatives, with the government describing digital education as an important part of preparing students and teachers for changing workplace demands.
The state government has said its education interventions are designed to equip students with skills required for global competitiveness, while continuing professional development for teachers.
This focus reflects a broader shift in education policy across Africa, where governments are increasingly seeking to combine traditional classroom learning with digital tools and skills development.
Support for students and vulnerable learners
Education support has also included assistance targeted at students facing financial difficulties.
In June 2026, First Lady Olayemi Oyebanji awarded ₦10 million in scholarships to 100 orphaned and indigent students studying in higher institutions across Ekiti State.
Each beneficiary received ₦100,000 to help meet educational expenses. The beneficiaries were selected from 10 higher institutions in the state, according to the Ekiti State Government.
Such interventions are aimed at reducing financial barriers that can prevent students from continuing their education.
Why the investment matters
Education remains closely connected to economic development, employment and social mobility.
For Ekiti State, sustained investment in schools and higher institutions could affect the quality of learning, teacher capacity, infrastructure and the ability of young people to acquire skills relevant to the economy.
The state’s 2025 Citizen’s Budget allocated ₦7.803 billion to basic education programmes and projects, illustrating the scale of public resources directed towards the sector.
However, the effectiveness of education spending ultimately depends not only on the amount allocated but also on implementation, maintenance, accountability and measurable improvements in learning outcomes.
What happens next
The Oyebanji administration is expected to continue its education-focused interventions as part of its wider human capital development agenda.
The state’s stated priorities include continued support for educational institutions, school infrastructure, digital learning and teacher development.
The government will therefore face the continuing task of ensuring that investments translate into improved learning environments and educational outcomes across Ekiti.
For students, teachers and families, sustained funding and effective implementation will remain important to the long-term performance of the state’s education system.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Ekiti State Government — Governor Oyebanji’s statements and official education-sector reports.
- Ekiti State Government — 2025 Citizen’s Budget for Basic Education and Primary Health.
- The Guardian — Report on the retention of governing councils of Ekiti’s state-owned tertiary institutions.
- Ekiti State Government — Report on scholarship support for vulnerable students.
