From Taiye Joseph Ilorin
The administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is strengthening Kwara State’s position as a hub of academic innovation and practical education, with series of bold reforms and investments in tertiary institutions across the state.
At the 2025 first quarterly inter-ministerial press briefing, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Kawu, outlined the government’s achievements in the education sector, highlighting its impact on youth development, skills acquisition, and institutional growth.
“Our focus has been on practical, job-oriented education that empowers young people and expands access to knowledge,” the Commissioner said. Citing the sponsorship of 200 youths under Batch 8 of the Kwara Youth Empowerment and Employment Generation Scheme (KWYEEGS), at the International Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurship College (IVTEC), Ajase-Ipo.
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She noted that Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS), Ilorin, set a national record by becoming the first to receive accreditation for diploma programmes in Mass Communication, Computer Science, and Islamic Common Law. “All six National Diploma programmes presented to NBTE were accredited, and the college recorded a 100% pass rate in the TRCN re-accreditation exercise,” she said.
To improve infrastructure and increase revenue, CAILS has commenced hostel construction, introduced a Sandwich Degree Programme in collaboration with KWASU, and is preparing for online learning and outreach centres.
Modibbo Kawu, also announced that the newly established Kwara State University of Education, had secured accreditation for 20 academic programmes and has been listed on the JAMB portal, a key milestone in its development.
At the International Aviation College, Ilorin, 19 pilots, 10 military and 9 civilians, graduated in the last quarter, while two aircraft engineers and one flight instructor received international training in South Africa. “These are strategic investments that reinforce Kwara’s place in the aviation sector,” she stated.
The long-abandoned 1,000-capacity auditorium at Kwara State Polytechnic has now been completed, while several hostels have been renovated with support from TETFund. The institution also introduced new courses in Railway Engineering, Taxation, and Social Work, and established initiatives such as a commercial farm, water production plant, CBT centre, and a medical diagnostic centre.
“The Polytechnic has implemented the new minimum wage and continues to drive innovation in vocational and technical training,” she added.
Other institutions are also making progress. The Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, recently held its 26th matriculation ceremony, while the College of Nursing Sciences, Oke-Ode, introduced and secured accreditation for ND and HND Nursing programmes, with the first batch of ND Nursing students already matriculated.
“These achievements reflect Governor AbdulRazaq’s unwavering commitment to education as a tool for empowerment and socio-economic development,” Modibbo Kawu affirmed.
