Yahaya Bello’s Education Record in Kogi State: Key Policies »

Education is one of the strongest pillars for shaping a society’s future; no state can attain real development without investing in its people’s education. In Kogi State, the educational initiatives under FGYB form a key part of evaluating his record and his senatorial aspirations.

On taking office, FGYB’s government introduced the New Direction Blueprint, which prioritized education not just as school enrollment but as opportunity creation, human-capital development and youth preparation for constructive societal roles. Education was highlighted alongside healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, youth programs and public-sector reform.

A notable achievement was the creation of two state universities: Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara and Kogi State University, Kabba. CUSTECH provided greater access to science and technology disciplines, while the Kabba institution opened another avenue for tertiary education for local and nearby communities.

While these additions expand Kogi’s tertiary landscape, their effectiveness depends on continued funding, competent staff, laboratory resources, accredited courses and the quality of graduates. Launching universities is only the first step, maintaining standards and competitiveness requires sustained support and good governance.

However, the universities have continued to witness development even after he left office. This serves as evidence that he did not only establish these institutions but also put sustainable plans in place to support their continued growth.

In September 2023 FGYB declared free education in all public primary and secondary schools in the state and pledged to cover specified examination fees, an important relief for families who often struggle with exam-related costs.

In January 2024 the state released N115 million to pay JAMB registration for 15,033 public-school students. This came after reports that roughly N497 million had been paid to cover WAEC fees for those same 15,033 students. These payments were intended to reduce financial obstacles for students preparing for major exams and seeking university admission.

The administration also invested in infrastructure, recruitment and planning: a Blueprint Newspapers review reported the hiring of 3,979 teachers in 2023, plus classroom construction and renovations, establishment of model schools and teacher development programs. Such steps are essential because enrollment alone is insufficient without suitable facilities, trained teachers and a positive learning environment.

The New Direction plan also called for formal education-sector strategies to steer policy and improve delivery. Lasting educational gains require clear targets, dependable data, steady funding and continuity beyond any single administration.

Academic stability in public universities has been another flashpoint. In July 2017 FGYB’s government proscribed ASUU at Kogi State University, Anyigba, and took measures against union activities in state institutions, moves that provoked debate about lecturers’ freedom to organise.

In 2022, Daily Trust report noted that lecturers at the state’s two universities were not ASUU members and that academic activities continued during the nationwide ASUU strike, meaning Kogi students were able to keep to their academic calendars while many peers elsewhere experienced disruption.

Academic stability matters to students and parents because extended interruptions can postpone graduation, raise costs and harm job prospects.

Taken together, the policies and actions described create a framework for evaluating FGYB’s record on education.

As he seeks a Senate seat, his experience in state government could shape a legislative program aimed at expanding educational opportunities nationwide. It’s important to note that the Senate’s role differs from that of state authorities: senators draft laws, represent constituents, review public spending and supervise federal agencies and programmes, but they do not run state schools or oversee state universities directly.

That distinction means any senatorial candidate should clarify how past duties would translate into effective representation and concrete lawmaking. In education, this might mean pushing for transparent, sustainable financing, broader access to tertiary education, stronger technical and vocational training, more support for teachers and research, and stricter accountability in public spending.

As discussion of Yahaya Bello’s senatorial bid continues, his record on education provides material for public debate about both past measures and future priorities.

Engr Ira Habib