A group known as the Ondo North Development and Advocacy Forum has raised concerns over what it describes as a deliberate scheme to use the delayed disbursement of student bursaries as a political tool against Senator Jide Ipinsagba, who represents the Ondo North Senatorial District.
In a statement released on Wednesday and provided to The Guardian, the Forum clarified that the bursary program was properly included in the Federal Government's budget and is currently stalled due to ongoing implementation procedures. The group explained that the 2025 budget execution is still incomplete, with the capital component extended until June 30, 2026, because of insufficient fund releases.
The Forum argued that the delay is beyond the senator's immediate control and should not be manipulated for political purposes. It accused certain individuals of exploiting student frustrations to incite unrest and portray the lawmaker in a false light. The statement read in part: “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.”
It further added: “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 Forum reaffirmed that Senator Ipinsagba remains deeply committed to youth welfare, educational advancement, and human capital development across Ondo North. It highlighted his visible track record in empowerment and scholarship support. The group also disclosed that efforts to obtain necessary forms and clearances are being intensified at the Senatorial Office in Ikare-Akoko to ensure all eligible beneficiaries are properly registered once implementation resumes.
While acknowledging student concerns over the delay, the Forum maintained that issuing threats is inappropriate when official channels are available. Students were advised to contact the senator's special assistant on students and youth affairs, Farouq Muhammed, through the senatorial office for accurate information, rather than relying on speculative reports that could create unnecessary tension.
The forum urged students across Ondo North to remain calm, law-abiding, and focused, and to resist being used as instruments of political propaganda against a senator who has consistently prioritized their interests.
