By; ADAMA JOHN, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has called for improved funding of education to accelerate human and capital development in Nigeria.
The governor made the call in far away Abuja yesterday, when he paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Mr Sonny Echono.
The governor expressed unreserved gratitude to TETFUND for its various interventions in Kogi State owned tertiary institutions as he called on the Executive Secretary to further assist the state with improved funding for high impact projects in public tertiary institutions.
“I commend TETFUND for the impact in the development of tertiary education in Kogi State particularly the speedy development of our brand new Kogi State University, Kabba which recently held its maiden matriculation over 1,000 students and has fully commenced academic activities.
” I must say that TETFUND has made remarkable impact in supporting higher institutions in Kogi State such as the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayingba, Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State Polytechnic , Lokoja, College of Education, Ankpa, College of Education (Technical), Mopa”.he said.
That not withstanding, “we will continue to seek your support for intervention in developing critical infrastructure in our tertiary educational institutions to help in advancing our agenda for accelerated human capital development in the state,” Ododo added.
The governor who appreciated TETFUND for its previous interventions in the state’s owned higher institutions, however, noted that the state government is in need of more interventions for its tertiary educational institutions especially under the Special High Impact Intervention Fund by the organization.
He restated his administration’s agenda for human capital development, emphasized that education remains the most important catalyst for the development of any society.
He gave assurances that his administration will promote key priority areas in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) in all the higher institutions in the state to ensure that no child of school age is left behind in the state.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Sonny Echono, commended Governor Ododo for his servant – leadership approach to governance, describing him as a hands-on leader who has put himself forward in the service of the people of the state.
He promised that TETFUND will continue to support Kogi State through its interventions in tertiary education to enhance the governor’s vision of accelerated human capital development in the state.
Ododo was accompanied on the visit to TETFUND by the state commissioner for education, Hon. Wemi Jones and the Vice Chancellor, Kogi State University, Kabba, Professor K.I.T. Eniola.
