Don’t Politicise Students’ Bursary, Ondo North Development and Advocacy Forum Tells Critics of Ipinsagba. 

The Ondo North Development and Advocacy Forum has expressed concern over what it described as deliberate attempts by certain interests to politicise the students’ bursary initiative facilitated by the Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Senator Jide Ipinsagba.

In a statement issued in Owo on Wednesday, 6th, the Forum said the bursary programme is duly captured in the Federal Government’s budget and is currently awaiting the completion of implementation processes by the appropriate authorities, which accounts for the delay being experienced in disbursement to beneficiaries across the district.

The Forum noted that it is already a matter of public knowledge that the implementation of the 2025 budget is yet to be fully completed, while the capital component of the budget has been extended till June 30, 2026, due to poor release of funds. According to the group, the issue clearly goes beyond Senator Olajide Ipinsagba and should not be twisted for political purposes.

“We consider it necessary to disabuse the minds of students and members of the public of insinuations aimed at portraying Senator Jide Ipinsagba in a bad light over circumstances beyond his immediate control. The attempt by certain interests to politicise the issue and incite students against the Senator should be disregarded, as it is clearly targeted at gaining cheap political advantage,” the statement said.

The Forum further reiterated that Senator Ipinsagba remains deeply committed to the welfare, educational advancement, and overall development of youths and students in Ondo North, adding that his track record in youth empowerment, educational support, and human capital development remains visible and commendable.

It also disclosed that the process of obtaining the necessary forms and clearances is currently being intensified at the Senatorial Office of Senator Jide Ipinsagba in Ikare-Akoko to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries are adequately captured once implementation commences.

While acknowledging the concerns of students and youths over the delay, the Forum maintained that it would have been more appropriate to seek clarification through the proper channels instead of issuing threats over a matter already undergoing official processes. Students were advised to contact the Special Assistant to the Senator on Students and Youth Affairs, Farouq Muhammed, through the Senatorial Office for authentic information regarding the bursary scheme, rather than relying on speculative reports capable of creating unnecessary tension.

The Forum therefore urged students across Ondo North to remain calm, law-abiding, and focused, while avoiding being used as instruments for political propaganda against a Senator who has consistently prioritised the interests of youths and students in the district.