From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government, has reiterated its resolve to deepen access to quality higher education as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, charged graduates of Kwara State University, Malete, to see their degrees as a responsibility to solve societal problems.
The governor gave the charge at the 13th convocation ceremony of KWASU, where he was represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Kawu.
He described the ceremony as a celebration of resilience, growth and academic excellence, while congratulating the graduands, parents and the university community.
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AbdulRazaq said his administration has continued to invest deliberately in tertiary education, noting that strong institutions remain critical to youth development and economic growth.
“Our administration has remained committed to repositioning the education sector for greatness. KWASU has benefitted immensely from this renewed focus on academic growth and infrastructural expansion,” the governor said.
He pointed to the establishment of the Osi campus and the completion of the Ilesha-Baruba campus as major steps taken to expand the university’s footprint across the state.
“These projects reflect our clear vision to bring higher education closer to the people, while creating opportunities for research, innovation and community development,” he added.
The governor said investments in modern learning facilities, digital tools and research support systems were aimed at preparing students to compete globally, stressing that Kwara was steadily emerging as a centre of academic stability and innovation.
He also highlighted partnerships between KWASU and state-backed initiatives such as the Innovation Hub and the Sugar Factory Film Studio, describing them as practical platforms for nurturing talent and enterprise.
“Such partnerships are necessary if we are to create real opportunities for our young people to compete globally,” AbdulRazaq said.
Addressing the graduating students, the governor urged them to reject mediocrity and focus on adding value to society.
“Your education is not merely a certificate; it is a responsibility to make meaningful contributions to your communities and to the nation. The world needs solution providers, not spectators,” he said.
He also advised parents and guardians to give their children room to grow, warning against undue pressure for instant success.
In his remarks, the Chancellor of KWASU, Engineer Johnson Adewumi, commended AbdulRazaq for what he described as consistent and visionary support for the university’s growth.
“The Governor ensured that the Osi and Ilesha-Baruba campuses took off and also provided the university with an excellent facility to train medical doctors. Without his commitment, this vision would have remained a dream,” Adewumi said.
He also praised the governor for improving access to the Malete campus, noting that efforts to make the road more motorable ahead of the convocation demonstrated government’s commitment to the institution.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, said the steady expansion of KWASU was directly linked to sustained government support.
“We are grateful to His Excellency for keeping to his promise of completing the Osi and Ilesha-Baruba campuses as well as the Teaching Hospital. These facilities have strengthened our academic and training capacity,” Ambali said.
He urged the private sector, donor agencies and philanthropists to partner with the university, stressing that government alone could not fund higher education sustainably.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, charged the graduands to embrace optimism, resilience and service to humanity as they step into a competitive world.
“You have been equipped with unique abilities, so the world is yours to make the change we are waiting for. Optimism is the basic ingredient for achievement. Without hope and confidence, you may not be able to do anything,” he told the graduates.
He advised them not to be discouraged by failure, describing it as a pathway to discovery and success.
A total of 8,119 students graduated during the ceremony, including 82 First Class degree holders, alongside Master’s and PhD graduates.
