In a significant move towards advancing education in Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq inaugurated the Governing Council of the Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED) on Saturday, setting the stage for the institution’s official launch.
The newly formed 11-member council will be chaired by Prof. Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem (OFR), who also holds the title of pro-chancellor.
The council is composed of notable members, including Mrs. Opaleke Bukola Iyabo, Hajia Risikat Lawal, Rotimi Samuel Olujide, Prof. Umar Gunu, Engr. Saad Belgore, Mr. Femi Aina, Omowumi Amuda, Hajia Kubra Kazum, Prof. Ibrahim Abdukadir Abikan, and Pastor Afolayan Joseph Babatunde, who represents the Ministry of Tertiary Education.
Addressing the council, Governor Abdulrazaq emphasized the importance of this inauguration as a step forward in the evolution of KWASUED, an initiative spearheaded by his administration.
“This university is a child of necessity to position Kwara and its people for a sustainable future in the sphere of education and related disciplines,” he stated.
He further elaborated that the institution is intended to succeed the College of Education Ilorin and serve as a model for managing other colleges amid changing educational landscapes.
With high expectations for the council’s performance, the Governor remarked, “With the caliber of the intellectuals, administrators, and statesmen on this Council, I am confident that you will midwife a seamless transition and build a new university of education that will be the envy of all.”
He urged the council to maintain high standards from the outset and avoid creating unnecessary financial burdens through excessive hiring.
“Employment, if any, must be strictly based on needs and affordability with consideration for competence and inclusion in line with our policy,” he emphasized, insisting that the university should not add to the government’s financial strain.
In a notable announcement, Governor Abdulrazaq appointed the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu, as the Chancellor of KWASUED.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including State APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi, Deputy Chief of Staff Princess Bukola Babalola, and Commissioner for Tertiary Education Dr. Mary Arinde, among others.
Dr. Arinde praised the Governor for his visionary leadership that led to the establishment of this unique institution.
“The occasion marks a significant step in advancing the vision and mission of the university, and in shaping the future of education in the state,” she noted, expressing gratitude for the Governor’s unwavering commitment to educational development.
Prof. Oba Abdulraheem echoed similar sentiments, commending the Governor’s dedication to elevating education standards in Kwara. He described education as the “bedrock of any society” and reiterated the council’s commitment to realizing the Governor’s vision for a distinguished University of Education. “Committing yourself to funding qualitative education is not just a political decision; it is more rewarding, and you are discharging it very well,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the Governor’s emphasis on gender sensitivity in the council’s composition, saying, “You are known for your disposition to gender sensitivity and balance, and that has reflected in the composition of this council.”
In addition to the university inauguration, Governor Abdulrazaq presented new buses for the use of student associations in the state, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS).
NANS Comrade Issa Abdulgafar Arikewuyo and NAKSS counterpart Abdulwahab Ridwan expressed their gratitude to the Governor for his student-friendly initiatives. “Nigerian students in Kwara State are very happy with the development we are experiencing,” Arikewuyo remarked, highlighting the significance of the Governor’s recent donations.
