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Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Saturday, inaugurated the Governing Council of the newly established Kwara State University of Education, paving the way for the official launch of the institution.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, the 11-member Governing Council has Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, as its Chairman and Pro-Chancellor.
Other members of the Council include Mrs Opaleke Bukola, Hajia Risikat Lawal, Rotimi Olujide, Professor Umar Gunu, Engr Saad Belgore, Mr Femi Aina, Omowumi Amuda, Hajia Kubra Kazum, Professor Ibrahim Abikan, and Pastor Afolayan Joseph, who represent the Ministry of Tertiary Education.
In an address to the Council, AbdulRazaq said the inauguration marked another step in the evolution of the KWASUED, an initiative of his administration.
“This university is a child of necessity to position Kwara and its people for a sustainable future in the sphere of education and related disciplines. This institution is designed to be a successor to the College of Education Ilorin and a test case for how we handle the remaining colleges in light of new realities,” he said.
“With the calibre of intellectuals, administrators, and statesmen on this Council, I am confident that you will oversee a seamless transition and build a new university of education that will be the envy of all.”
“As the pioneer Governing Council, I urge you to raise the bar from the beginning and resist the pressures to turn the school into another centre for unaffordable wage bills through unnecessary jobs.”
“Employment, if any, must be strictly based on need and affordability, with consideration for competence and inclusion in line with our policy. The school should be run in a way that does not become another burden on the scarce resources of the government. I trust you to make KWASUED a centre of excellence, research, and academic discipline in pursuit of higher ideals.”
The governor also appointed the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Alebiosu, as the Chancellor of the university.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr Mary Arinde, commended the governor for his visionary leadership that led to the creation of this unique institution.
She said, “This occasion marks a significant step in advancing the vision and mission of the university and in shaping the future of education in the state.”
Arinde also thanked the Governor for his unwavering commitment to the educational development of the state and for making the right choices in the appointment of the Council members.
Professor Abdulraheem, for his part, expressed his gratitude for the Governor’s vision and commitment to raising Kwara to greater heights.
Describing education as the bedrock of any society, he said AbdulRazaq’s passion for qualitative education at all levels is very significant.
He added, “Committing yourself to funding qualitative education is not just a political decision; it is more rewarding, and you are discharging it very well.”
“Your Excellency, I must not omit your commitment to education, and the composition of this team is a further emblem of your integrity. We must do everything to make this succeed.”
“You are known for your disposition to gender sensitivity and balance, and that has reflected in the composition of this council. You have never given us any redundant person to work with. Once again, on behalf of all of us, I’m very proud to be associated with this project and to be one of the lucky Kwarans to serve in this responsibility.”
The Governor, meanwhile, presented new buses for the use of the students’ umbrella bodies in the state—the National Association of Nigerian Students, Kwara State Axis, and the National Association of Kwara State Students.
In their separate remarks, NANS Chairman, Comrade Abdulgafar Arikewuyo, and his NAKSS counterpart, Abdulwahab Ridwan, appreciated the Governor for the gesture and other student-friendly initiatives.
“Nigerian students in Kwara State are very happy with the development we are experiencing, and for the Governor to have donated these two new buses to the apex students’ bodies in the state. It is a blessing in many folds,” Arikewuyo said.
The inauguration was attended by the State APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi; Deputy Chief of Staff, Princess Bukola Babalola; Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr Mary Arinde; Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Sa’adu Salau; Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji Abdulrazhaq Jiddah; Senior Special Assistant on Religion (Islam), Ibrahim Danmaigoro; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Barrister Sabitiyu Kikelomo Grillo, among others.
