KEY POINTS
- Governor AbdulRazaq appoints a new council to KWASUED.
- The council urged to prioritize academic excellence and affordability.
- Olupo of Ajase-Ipo was named the university’s first chancellor.
In a significant step towards the university’s official opening, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Saturday officially opened the governing council of the recently founded Kwara State University of Education.
Governor inaugurates council to oversee new university
In a statement, Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye said that Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem, a former vice-chancellor of the University of Ilorin, will serve as both the chairman and pro-chancellor of the 11-member governing council.
The council includes Hajia Risikat Lawal, Rotimi Olujide, Professor Umar Gunu, Engineer Saad Belgore, Mr. Femi Aina, Omowumi Amuda, Hajia Kubra Kazum, Professor Ibrahim Abikan, Pastor Afolayan Joseph, and Mrs. Opaleke Bukola. The Ministry of Tertiary Education is represented by the council members.
According to Punch, AbdulRazaq described the inauguration as a major step forward for KWASUED, his government’s initiative, in his speech to the council. This university was established out of necessity to prepare Kwara and its citizens for a sustainable future in education and allied sectors, he said. It will replace the Ilorin College of Education and serve as a model for running similar establishments throughout the state.
He asked the council to uphold high standards and avoid needless hiring expenses. Employment decisions ought to be made only on the basis of competence, need, and affordability. The government shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of the school,” AbdulRazaq stated. KWASUED ought to be a hub for discipline, research, and excellence in the pursuit of lofty academic goals.”
Oba Ismail Alebiosu, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, was also named the university’s chancellor by AbdulRazaq.
New university aims to advance education in Kwara
AbdulRazaq’s leadership was praised by Dr. Mary Arinde, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, who stated, “This university advances our mission to reshape education in Kwara.”
“Your dedication to quality education is evident, and your selection of this council reflects your integrity,” Professor Abdulraheem said in his thank you for the governor’s support of education.
AbdulRazaq also gave buses for student usage to the National Association of Kwara State Students and the National Association of Nigerian Students (Kwara State Axis) during the ceremony. Comrade Abdulgafar Arikewuyo, the chairman of NANS, expressed gratitude to the governor for his support of education and students.
State APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi, Deputy Chief of Staff Princess Bukola Babalola, and Commissioner for Tertiary Education Dr. Mary Arinde were among the high-ranking officials who attended the inauguration.
