Osun has been ranked among the nation’s top-performing states in education and human capital development, earning Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke the prestigious BusinessDay Award 2026.

The award will be presented at the 2026 States Competitiveness and Investment Readiness Awards (SCIRA) in Abuja, placing Osun on the national stage for reforms that have improved learning environments, enhanced teacher welfare, and expanded opportunities for youth empowerment.

According to BusinessDay Newspapers, the assessment that informed the award considered education delivery, skills readiness, youth development, and long-term human capital planning. The evaluation highlights the practical impact of policies on communities, from rehabilitated classrooms in rural areas to strengthened support systems for teachers across urban centres.

Governor Adeleke hailed the recognition as a collective achievement for the people of Osun, stressing that development is measured by improvements in everyday lives.

“This recognition belongs to the people of Osun. Our government is people-centric, investing in education and human capacity-building. When our children learn better and our youths acquire skills, the future of Osun is secure,” he said.

Education stakeholders and community leaders have described the award as proof that Osun is moving in the right direction under a leadership that prioritises human development over political showmanship.

From Osogbo to Ilesa, Ikire, and beyond, the Adeleke administration’s reforms are visible in classrooms, vocational centres, and youth programmes, demonstrating that governance that works at the grassroots level delivers tangible results.

The BusinessDay Award 2026 reinforces Osun State’s reputation as a model for education reforms and human capital investment, showcasing how strategic governance can translate into improved opportunities for citizens.