Kogi Education Revolution: A Systematic Overhaul for a Globally Competitive Future »

Prior to 2016, access to quality education in Kogi State was plagued by inconsistencies, ranging from irregular bursary payments, inadequate infrastructure, and a struggling basic education system. Gaps included absence of a structured, technology-driven approach, which left room for inefficiencies.

A new chapter began to take shape under the visionary leadership of Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State (2016–2024). The 2nd term State Education Commissioner, who commenced his first tenure under Bello, has recently remarked that the sweeping advancements in Kogi State education sector build upon the ambitious initiatives set in motion by the previous administration, now being consolidated under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

With a firm commitment to transparency, infrastructure expansion, and digital transformation, the state is redefining its educational framework. From ensuring seamless bursary disbursements to broadening tertiary education access and fortifying school security, the Ododo administration is driving forward a legacy of strategic intervention.

In a recent media chat with Yahaya Shehu, Host of Friday Conversation on Ododo Media Center (X Space) and SSA Digital Media to the Kogi Governor, Hon. Wemi Jones, the State Commissioner for Education, provided insight into the government’s strategic interventions and future plans.

BURSARY PAYMENT: A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO TRANSPARENCY

According to the Honourable Commissioner, Kogi State has adopted a more transparent and technology-driven approach to bursary disbursement, a reform that traces back to the Yahaya Bello administration, which began the process for automation. He noted that before Bello, bursary payments were made in cash, a system that was prone to fraud and irregularities. However, under the digital governance structure initiated by the New Direction government, an online platform was introduced to ensure that only bonafide Kogi State students in tertiary institutions could apply at no cost.

Jones explained that in the recent first Phase bursary disbursement, applicants were required to upload relevant documents for verification, after which an independent consultant conducted physical screenings. Out of over 40,000 applicants, more than 8,000 students were successfully cleared, leading to the approval and disbursement of ₦316 million.

He further stated that each eligible student in a regular program received ₦30,000, while law school students were paid ₦300,000. The entire process, he emphasized, was seamless, with payments made directly to the beneficiaries. Given the success of this initiative, he noted that Governor Ododo is committed to sustaining and expanding the bursary scheme, reinforcing the educational foundation laid by the past administration.

WAEC FEE PAYMENT: A LEGAL MANDATE FOR ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION

Speaking on the government’s commitment to free education, Jones highlighted that the Kogi State Free Examination Registration Law, which was signed into law towards the end of the Yahaya Bello administration, mandates the state to cover registration fees for major exit examinations, including WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, JAMB, Junior WAEC, Common Entrance, and the First School Leaving Certificate.

He stated that in 2023/2024 session, the government disbursed over ₦800 million for this initiative, and in 2024/2025 session, the amount increased to ₦1.3 billion due to rising examination costs and a higher number of beneficiaries. Specifically, for WAEC, payments increased from ₦487 million last year to over ₦661 million this year.

To prevent intruders from exploiting the scheme, Jones noted that stricter verification measures were put in place, ensuring that only eligible public school students, as required by law, were covered.

INFRASTRUCTURAL UPGRADES: BUILDING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

On infrastructural development in tertiary institutions, Jones emphasized that Governor Yahaya Bello initiated an unprecedented expansion of Kogi’s university system, establishing two new state universities—the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara and Kogi State University (KSU), Kabba, while also upgrading the Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba.

He noted that the Ododo administration is consolidating these efforts, ensuring that beyond physical structures, academic programs receive full accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to guarantee excellence and global competitiveness.

He disclosed that over ₦8 billion has been approved for key projects at KSU Kabba, including:

•   A Senate Building
•   A Faculty of Science Complex
•   A Male Hostel
•   A Female Hostel

With the student population now exceeding 2,100, the Commissioner assured that these projects are being fast-tracked and are expected to be completed within nine months.

SECURITY MEASURES IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Addressing security concerns, Jones revealed that the Safe Schools Initiative, launched under the previous administration, is now being reinforced under Governor Ododo. He stated that the state government is working closely with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to train students and teachers on security awareness and emergency response.

Following the CUSTECH Osara kidnapping incident, the government reassessed land allocations in its institutions, prioritizing total perimeter fencing of active campuses. For instance, he said that 100 hectares out of the 400 hectares available at CUSTECH Osara have now been fenced, with similar measures implemented at KSU Kabba and Kogi State Polytechnic Itakpe. In addition, he noted that CCTV surveillance systems have been installed to enhance security.

CHALLENGES IN BASIC EDUCATION: TEACHER SHORTAGE AND RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES

Speaking on challenges in the education sector, Jones acknowledged that teacher shortage remains a pressing issue, especially at the basic education level. He stated that despite recent recruitment efforts, many teachers leave for better opportunities, retire, or refuse postings to rural areas.

To address this, he revealed that the state has embarked on a large-scale teacher recruitment drive, ensuring that qualified personnel are deployed to public schools across the state. He further emphasized that Governor Ododo is committed to improving teachers’ welfare, sustaining the policies laid down under Yahaya Bello’s administration.

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY: SMART SCHOOLS AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Jones also spoke about the state’s drive to integrate technology in education, an initiative that began under Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration. With JAMB transitioning to computer-based testing, the government is working towards introducing smart schools equipped with modern learning tools.

He explained that plans are in place to provide schools with smart classrooms, interactive boards, and e-learning platforms to improve teaching efficiency and student engagement. Additionally, he disclosed that technical and vocational education is being strengthened to equip students with practical skills in high-demand sectors.

According to him, the goal is to ensure that Kogi State produces graduates who are not only employable but can also become job creators, continuing the educational transformation initiated by the past administration and now being advanced by Governor Ododo.

THE ODODO ADMINISTRATION: A CONTINUATION OF EDUCATIONAL TRANSFORMATION

Jones reaffirmed that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is not just sustaining but expanding the bold education policies initiated by Governor Yahaya Bello. He stated that the government’s approach is focused on accountability, technological innovation, and strategic investment to ensure continuous improvement in the sector.

From bursary payments and examination fee waivers to university expansion, security interventions, and teacher recruitment, Jones maintained that the administration’s efforts reflect a structured and deliberate approach to educational development.

He concluded by stating that Kogi’s education revolution is not a sudden development but a testament to government continuity, where a solid foundation laid in the past is now yielding results for a globally competitive future.

Public Relations Unit
Kogi State Ministry of Education