FCE Okene Delegation Seeks Infrastructure, Power Support from Gov. Ododo »

The Governing Council and Management of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Okene, have paid a courtesy visit to Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, at the Government House in Lokoja, expressing appreciation for his administration’s contributions to the education sector while soliciting further support to address critical institutional needs.

The delegation, led by the Provost, Dr. Ibrahim Ismaila Mosima, commended the governor for his role in advancing the college’s development and his broader commitment to improving educational standards across the state.

He described the governor as humble, accessible, and people-oriented, while highlighting notable achievements of his administration, including improvements in road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, rural electrification, educational development, and the prompt payment of salaries and pensions.

He explained that the college, established in 1974, is among the select institutions recently granted dual mandate status to run both Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree programmes, with approval to offer 21 courses.

The provost also disclosed that the institution has been selected to host the Nigeria Colleges of Education Games Association (NICEGA), a development that requires substantial investment in sports infrastructure.

He appealed to the governor to support efforts to fast-track TETFund intervention for the construction of a mini stadium, provision of sports equipment, and other facilities necessary for the successful hosting of the games.

Additional requests presented by the delegation included the provision of a dedicated 33KVA power line, student transportation buses, tractors for agricultural training, tax relief for staff, and support from the National Sports Commission.

In his remarks, Governor Ododo lauded the leadership and performance of the institution’s management, noting that their achievements have strengthened confidence among stakeholders and facilitated government support. He urged the management to sustain excellence, promote inclusivity, and maintain an open and collaborative administrative culture.

“The school belongs to all of us. You must continue to work together, accommodate everyone, and give your staff a sense of belonging. Your success is collective,” the governor stated.

Reaffirming his administration’s readiness to partner with the college, the governor emphasised the shared responsibility of federal and state institutions in delivering quality education.

“Our children attend this school. We are committed to collaborating to ensure the institution continues to provide quality teacher education,” he added.

Governor Ododo assured the delegation that their requests would receive due consideration, revealing plans to engage relevant federal authorities, including the Minister of Education, to address key challenges such as improving power supply through a dedicated transmission line.

He further disclosed that the state government would consider providing buses and agricultural equipment, including tractors, to strengthen vocational training, while noting that issues relating to tax relief for staff would require further expert consultation.

On infrastructure, the governor pledged support in facilitating access to intervention funds for projects such as a mini stadium, perimeter fencing, and sports facilities, stressing the importance of adequate preparation for hosting national events.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Council, represented by Salomi Ohame, also commended the governor’s strides in the education sector, noting that his policies have enhanced Kogi State’s standing in quality education delivery.

The visit stresses ongoing collaboration between the Kogi State Government and federal institutions aimed at strengthening educational development and improving learning outcomes across the state.