Politics
GOV. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara on Saturday in Ilorin inaugurated the Governing Council of the Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED), clearing the path for the institution’s official take-off.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 11-member governing council has Prof. Shuaib Abdulraheem as its Chairman and the institution’s Pro-Chancellor.
Other members of the Council include Mrs. Opaleke Bukoĺa, Hajia Risikat Lawal, Mr Rotimi Olujide and Prof. Umar Gunu.
The rest are Mr. Saad Belgore, Mr. Femi Aina, Omowumi Amuda, Hajia Kubra Kazum, Prof. Ibrahim Abikan and Pastor Afolayan Babatunde.
In his address to the council, Gov. AbdulRazaq said the inauguration was another step in the evolution of KWASUED, which is an initiative of the administration.
“This university is a child of necessity to position Kwara and its people for sustainable future in the sphere of education and related disciplines.
“This institution is designed to be a successor to the College of Education in Ilorin and a test-run for how we handle the remaining colleges in the face of new realities.
“With the calibre of 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.
“As the pioneer governing council, I urge you to raise the bar from the beginning and resist the pressures to make the school another centre for unaffordable wage bill through needless jobs.
“Employment, if any, must be strictly based on needs and affordability with consideration for competence and inclusion in line with our policy.
“The school should be run in a way that it does not become another burden on the scarce resources of government.
“I trust you to make KWASUED a centre of excellence, research, and academic discipline in pursuit of higher ideals,” he said.
Gov. AbdulRazaq, meanwhile, has appointed the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Alebiosu, as the Chancellor of the school.
Speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr Mary Arinde, commended the governor for his visionary leadership that birthed the unique institution.
She said 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.
Dr. Arinde thanked the governor for his unwavering commitment to the development of education in the state, and for making the right choices in the appointment of the council members.
Prof. Abdulraheem, on his part, appreciated the governor’s vision and commitment to take Kwara to a greater height.
Describing education as the bedrock of any society, he said the governor’s passion for qualitative education at all levels is very significant.
He said the governing council would do its utmost to achieve the governor’s dream of building a University of Education that would stand tall in Nigeria and beyond.
“Committing yourself to funding qualitative education is not just a political decision, it is more rewarding and you are discharging it very well.
“I cannot and I must not omit your commitment to education, and the composition of this team is a further emblem on your integrity. We must do everything to make this succeed.
“You are known for your disposition to gender sensitivity and balance, and that has reflected in the composition of this council.
“You also have never at any time given us any redundant person to work with.
“Once again, on behalf of all us, I’m very proud to be associated with this project and to be one of the lucky Kwarans to be called to serve in this kind of responsibility,” he added.(NAN)
10th November, 2024.
C.E.
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