Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to education and student welfare received high praise on Monday as students, under the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS), gathered at the Government House to express their gratitude.
The students celebrated the Governor’s efforts, highlighting several initiatives that have positively impacted their academic and social lives. These include the timely payment of bursaries, as well as numerous educational interventions introduced under his administration, even in the face of the recent subsidy removal.
NANS President, Comrade Issa Abdulgafar Arikewuyo, lauded the Governor as a “democratic leader” deeply committed to the education sector.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. We will be ungrateful if we cannot come en masse today to show to the world that the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum is a student-friendly personality,” he said. Arikewuyo praised Governor AbdulRazaq for establishing Kwara State University of Education, providing solar-powered lighting for Kwara State University Malete, and introducing 250 ICT infrastructure systems for College of Aviation Ilorin students, among other vital contributions.
Echoing similar sentiments, NAKSS President Comrade Abdulwahab Habibullahi highlighted the Governor’s efforts in providing scholarships for law students, buses for the students’ union leadership, and free transportation for students across the state. “Today is a remarkable day in the history of students in Kwara State. We are here today to appreciate His Excellency for all the unwavering support and commitment he has been showing to students’ leadership in the state,” Habibullahi said.
In his response, Governor AbdulRazaq thanked the students for their visit and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the government and student bodies. “On our part, we will also make sure that the students are accommodated in our programmes to make life easy for them,” he stated. The governor encouraged students to continue submitting proposals that would enhance their welfare.
The visit, organized as part of the Annual Unity and Harmony Week, was aimed at fostering unity among students while also raising awareness of the Governor’s educational reforms. Special Assistant on Students Affairs, Wasiu Onidugbe, noted that the event was a gesture of appreciation for the Governor’s dedication to the welfare of students.
Governor AbdulRazaq was accompanied by key cabinet members, including the Chief of Staff Prince AbdulKadir Mahe, who supported the Governor’s ongoing efforts to provide quality education and student empowerment in Kwara State.
