Kogi State Government Revitalizes Science Education in Umomi Community: A Journey of 28 Years »

A heartfelt story of resilience, dedication, and community transformation has unfolded in Umomi, Ofu local government area of Kogi State where decades of educational neglect are finally being addressed.

In the late 1990s, a young secondary school student, Onogwu Mohammed, faced a harsh reality during a volunteer tutorial he organized for final-year students preparing for their WAEC examinations at the Community Secondary School in Umomi. Despite being in SS1 himself, Onogwu sought to share his passion for science, focusing on Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

To his dismay, he discovered that the students could not differentiate between acids and bases or describe their basic characteristics. The lack of qualified teachers and an empty school laboratory painted a grim picture of the state of education in the community.

This experience left a lasting impression on Onogwu, fueling a lifelong desire to bring change to his community.

Fast forward to November 2023, after the Kogi State governorship election. During a meeting with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Onogwu shared his concerns about the dire state of infrastructure in Umomi. The governor encouraged him to prioritize development as a means of fostering unity and reconciliation in the state.

With this encouragement, Onogwu approached the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency (KSCSDA) in May 2024, led by his friend, Mr. Dauda Momoh. Their collaboration has resulted in a monumental project to uplift the community.

The Kogi State government, through the KSCSDA, is constructing a fully-equipped science laboratory at the Community Secondary School in Umomi. The facility will cater to core science subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and will feature a library to support academic excellence.

In addition to the laboratory, the government is renovating classrooms and constructing a clinic to serve both the school and the broader community.

These projects, slated for completion by February 2025, represent a new chapter in the history of Umomi, addressing long-standing educational challenges and improving healthcare access.

On December 26, Onogwu visited the construction site and expressed his satisfaction with the progress and quality of work.

He extended his gratitude to Mr. Dauda Momoh and his team at the KSCSDA for their commitment to community development. He also praised the sons and daughters of Umomi and the leadership of the Progressives Union, headed by Thani Atogbe, for their collective efforts in driving progress.

What began as a young boy’s frustration with the state of education in his village has blossomed into a transformative initiative, thanks to the vision of Governor Ododo and the collaborative efforts of KSCSDA.