By Abubakar Abraham
The Secretary to the Government of Kogi State (SGS), Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, has urged members of the newly inaugurated Governing Council for Kogi State Tertiary Institutions to make excellence their watchword in order to steer institutions to greater heights.
The inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of the Governing Council for Kogi State Tertiary Institutions, took place at the office of the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State in Lokoja.
The event marked by a commitment to advancing education in the state, was attended by prominent figures in Kogi’s educational and administrative sectors.
Among the distinguished personalities in attendance were Dr. Usman Ogbo, Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic; Barr. Sani Shaibu, Chairman of Kogi State Polytechnic; Prof. Moses Atakpa, representing the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology, Lokoja; Bako Samson, from the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Idah; and Mr. Ibrahim Enebe AbdulRaheem, from the College of Education (Technical), Mopa, among other key stakeholders.
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The ceremony was presided over by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, who officiated the swearing-in on behalf of Governor Usman Ododo.
In her address, Dr. Ayoade, emphasised the critical role of education in shaping the future of Kogi State. She passionately advocated for the education of the girl child, drawing from her personal experiences to underscore its importance.
“Your girl child will make you proud. Educate your girl child, not only your boy child, in the evening of your life. It’s that girl child that will take care of you,” she further added.
She also revealed her ongoing pursuit of a law degree, emphasising the transformative power of education for women.
Highlighting Kogi State’s commitment to education, Dr. Ayoade praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his visionary leadership and for prioritising the sector.
She highlighted the state’s consistent payment of WAEC examination fees for secondary school students and the establishment of two functional universities as initiatives positioning Kogi as a leader in education among northern states.
“In Kogi State, we value education. We stand as the best northern state in education,” she declared.
The inauguration also served as a platform to introduce the Governing Council members, including representatives from institutions such as the Federal University, Kogi State Polytechnic, and others. Dr. Ayoade acknowledged the presence of distinguished guests, including the Director of State Polytechnic, former commissioners, and senior officials, emphasizing the importance of respecting elders and senior officials in the state’s governance structure.
In her charge to the Governing Council, Dr. Ayoade outlined their responsibilities, urging them to prioritise transparency, accountability, and collaboration in managing the state’s tertiary institutions.
She highlighted the challenges they might face, including balancing the interests of various institutions and ensuring fair representation. “You have a collective responsibility to educate the people of Kogi State,” she said, expressing confidence in the council’s ability to make informed decisions that will advance the state’s educational landscape.
The ceremony underscored Kogi State’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and robust educational system. Dr. Ayoade reiterated the importance of education as a cornerstone of development, encouraging the council to prioritise policies that benefit students and citizens.
She also emphasised the need to address gender disparities in education, particularly by empowering girls through access to quality education.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among the council members, who were charged with the responsibility of steering Kogi State’s tertiary institutions toward excellence. The inauguration marks a significant step in Governor Ododo’s agenda to elevate education as a tool for socio-economic development in Kogi State.
As the state continues to invest in its educational infrastructure and policies, the Governing Council is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that Kogi remains a beacon of educational excellence in northern Nigeria.
