𝗥𝗮𝘂𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗯𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮’𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝘀𝘂𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲.

Between 2010 and 2018, Rauf Aregbesola served as the Governor of Osun State, leaving behind a legacy of bold reforms and innovative policies that transformed the state’s educational system, healthcare, infrastructure, and economy.

Education took center stage during his administration. Aregbesola constructed or renovated over 96 modern schools, including flagship institutions like Osogbo Government High School, providing a conducive environment for learning. One of his most notable innovations was the introduction of Opon Imo (Tablet of Knowledge), a tablet-based digital learning tool preloaded with textbooks and exam materials. This initiative earned international recognition, including the UN World Summit Award and praise from UNESCO.

He also launched the O-MEALS programme, which provided free daily meals to over 252,000 primary school pupils. The programme not only improved enrolment and attendance but also empowered about 3,000 local caterers. Perhaps one of his most compassionate interventions was sponsoring 87 stranded medical students from Osun State University (UNIOSUN) to continue their studies in Ukraine after their medical programme lost accreditation in Nigeria. His government covered their tuition, travel, and living expenses, ensuring they graduated as medical doctors.

The governor also tackled youth unemployment through the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), which trained and employed 40,000 youths across various sectors including agriculture, sanitation, traffic control, and public works. Some participants were even given opportunities to receive training abroad, such as in Germany, further enhancing their skills.

In healthcare, Aregbesola’s administration renovated over 90 primary health centres and deployed 50 ambulances, training 400 paramedics to enhance emergency services. More than 20,000 people benefited from free eye care services, while over 4 million mosquito nets were distributed to combat malaria. The Osun Health Insurance Scheme (O’HIS) was also launched to improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

Infrastructure development was another hallmark of his tenure. Over 368 kilometers of state roads and 216 kilometers of rural roads were constructed or rehabilitated, alongside bridges, dual carriageways, modern markets such as Ayegbaju International Market, bus terminals, and public parks like the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park. The O-CLEAN sanitation programme was introduced to reduce flooding and improve waste management.

Agriculture was revitalized through the Osun Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Programme (O-REAP), supporting over 11,000 farmers with inputs and training. The state saw a boost in cocoa and Ofada rice production, becoming a leading cocoa exporter. Additionally, 700 kilometers of rural roads were built to connect farms to markets, enhancing food security.

One contentious aspect of Aregbesola’s administration was the salary “modulation” policy implemented in 2015 amid national economic difficulties. Critics often claimed the government cut workers’ salaries by half. However, the reality was more nuanced. The policy applied salary reductions only to about 28% of workers, specifically higher-grade employees:

72% of workers (grades 1 to 7) continued to receive 100% of their salaries.

20% of workers (grades 8 to 12) received 75% of their salaries.

8% of workers (grades 13 and above) received 50% of their salaries.

This approach prioritized protecting the most vulnerable employees, ensured job preservation, and lasted until July 2018 when full salaries were restored. During this period, over 70% of Osun’s revenue was spent on salaries and pensions. Notably, Governor Aregbesola himself declared that he did not draw a salary for eight years, underscoring his commitment to austerity and ethical governance.

Under his leadership, Osun State’s internally generated revenue (IGR) rose significantly from ₦300 million monthly in 2010 to over ₦1.6 billion by 2018. Despite economic challenges, the state continued investing in capital projects and social programmes, earning Aregbesola several awards such as Best Southwest Governor (2013) and the City People Governor of the Year.

In conclusion, Rauf Aregbesola’s tenure as governor was characterized by innovative reforms, infrastructural development, and social investment. His policies, including the controversial but well-managed salary modulation, helped safeguard Osun’s workforce while pushing the state forward. The sponsorship of the 87 UNIOSUN medical students highlighted his responsive leadership and compassion. His legacy remains a benchmark for service-driven governance in Nigeria.