Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved a 60 per cent increase in the monthly subventions to all state-owned tertiary institutions in the state.

The governor also approved the immediate implementation of the agreement reached between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the affected institutions.

The approvals, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, are part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen tertiary education and improve workers’ welfare.

Adeniyan said the increase in subventions would enable the institutions to meet their financial obligations, ensure prompt payment of salaries and improve the learning environment for students and staff.

He added that the implementation of the FG-ASUU agreement would address long-standing welfare concerns, boost staff morale and align the state-owned institutions with national standards.

“Both approvals take immediate effect from this month, and the governor has directed the management of the affected institutions to ensure judicious use of the increased subvention, prioritising staff welfare and academic excellence,” Adeniyan said.

The governor urged the management of the institutions to ensure that the additional funds were properly utilised, while calling on the unions to reciprocate the government’s gesture by maintaining industrial harmony.

Aiyedatiwa said his administration remained committed to making Ondo State a hub for quality tertiary education and would continue to take bold steps to support the institutions.