Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to advancing education at both local and international levels, emphasizing that education remains a core pillar of his government’s agenda.
Speaking at the second edition of the International Study Abroad Fair (ISAF) 2025, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, the governor—represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Segun Ogunwuyi—stressed that foreign education plays a crucial role in the state’s vision for economic growth and development.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Harnessing International Education Experience for Local Economic Development,” Makinde underscored that studying abroad is more than just earning a degree; it exposes students to new ideas, advanced skills, and global networks. However, he urged young Nigerians to return home after their studies and apply their acquired knowledge to national development.
“As a state, education is one of our main pillars, and we are actively improving both basic and tertiary education. We firmly believe that foreign education can accelerate growth in many ways,” he stated. “Our goal is to empower Oyo State residents to become global citizens who can contribute to local development.”
Makinde also announced that the state government would continue to partner with foreign investors to expand educational opportunities. He revealed that Oyo State had already sponsored 100 students to study in Malaysia through ISAF, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to funding scholarships and skill acquisition programs.
In his goodwill message, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin, highlighted the state government’s dedication to education, noting that ₦145.25 billion—21.44% of the total budget—had been allocated to the sector. He also disclosed plans to renovate at least 100 secondary schools across the state.
Other dignitaries at the event echoed the importance of international education. Dr. Debo Akande, Executive Adviser to the Governor on Agribusiness, emphasized that vocational and technical education should be recognized as a viable pathway to success. Similarly, Associate Professor Dr. Ng Miew Luan of INTI International University in Malaysia described international education as a transformative tool capable of reshaping communities and nations.
Prominent stakeholders, including University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor Professor Kayode Adebowale, Tribune Newspaper Managing Director Dr. Edward Dickson, and First Bank of Nigeria PLC Managing Director Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, encouraged Nigerian youths to take advantage of global education opportunities while ensuring that the knowledge gained contributes to local development.
The Managing Director of TPSeal Education UK, Lady Tolu Eledan, noted that the fair was designed to equip Nigerian students with the skills needed for global competitiveness. She highlighted the success of the previous edition in 2024, which secured $1.65 million in scholarships for 100 Oyo State students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.
Eledan also championed the concept of “JAPADA”—returning home to drive national development—rather than the “JAPA” syndrome of permanent migration.
The event was attended by several key figures, including Oyo State commissioners, lawmakers, and business leaders, all reinforcing the need for global learning experiences to contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.
