Gov. Bello Inaugurates Committee on Establishment of Another State-Owned University »

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has taken a significant step towards expanding access to quality education in the state with the inauguration of a committee tasked with establishing a new state-owned university in Kogi West.

The committee, comprising 17 distinguished professors, will be chaired by Professor Olu Obafemi Nnom, a renowned academics and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters.

The committee, announced by Governor Bello’s Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, includes a lineup of esteemed professors who bring diverse expertise and experience to the table. Among the committee members are Professor Abayomi Oloruntoba, Professor Kehinde Imisi Eniola, Professor Sunmola Afolabi, Professor Godwin Tunde Arosayin, Professor Gabriel Kolade Olorunleke, Professor Joseph Olorunju Omolehin, Professor Kingsley Ologe, Professor Sumaila Abdulganiyu, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, Professor Rotimi Ajayi, Professor Yomi Monday Ayesimi, Professor Suleiman Omeiza Eku Sadiku, Professor Adams Oyuoze Umoru Onuka, Professor Igonoh Joshua A., Professor Mohammed Bello Yunusa, and Professor Hadiza Aguye, who will serve as the committee’s secretary.

In addition to the esteemed professors, several key government officials have also been included as members of the committee to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach. These officials include the Kogi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mohammed Sani Ibrahim, SAN; the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Folashade Arike Ayoade, PhD; the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones; the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris Asiru; the Commissioner for Works and Urban Development, Hon. Bako Samson; and the Auditor-General, Hon. Yusuf Okala.

The committee has been given a clear set of terms of reference, which includes determining the type of university to be established, whether specialized or conventional, and proposing a suitable name for the institution. They are also responsible for preparing the necessary academic brief, university law, and university master plan to be presented to the National Universities Commission (NUC) for recognition and approval. Additionally, the committee will determine an ideal location and a takeoff site to ensure the immediate commencement of academic activities. Addressing the sustainability of the university, the committee will identify realistic and sustainable funding sources. Any other activities required for the university’s immediate takeoff are also within the committee’s purview.

Governor Bello has emphasized the importance of involving individuals who can add value to the committee’s work and activities, suggesting that the committee may have the authority to co-opt other individuals, both Kogites and non-Kogites, to contribute their expertise to the establishment of the university.

The committee has been given a timeframe of six weeks from the date of inauguration to submit its reports, showcasing the governor’s commitment to a swift and efficient process in establishing the state-owned university.

The establishment of a state-owned university in Kogi West marks a significant milestone for Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration, demonstrating his dedication to expanding educational opportunities and providing quality higher education to the people of Kogi State. With the committee comprising eminent academics and government officials, the future university is poised to become a center of excellence and contribute to the overall development of the state’s educational landscape.