Kogi Assembly Speaker Urges Sustained Investment In Education

Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf has urged the state government to sustain its efforts in improving infrastructure in the education sector as a tool for empowering the people.

Umar made the call in an address delivered at the maiden convocation lecture of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara yesterday.

The convocation lecture titled “Ill-Health and Illiteracy, Siblings’ Alliance Against Development was delivered by a former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

The speaker said, “This university was founded on strong values: teaching, research, innovation, mentorship and equal opportunity. Today, as we celebrate this day, we affirm that the vision has produced results. The end has indeed justified the means.

“I must commend former governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for his bold vision in establishing this University of Science and Technology and the Kogi State University, Kabba. His initiative gave every senatorial district access to quality higher education, complementing the legacy of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.

“Equally, I appreciate Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, our current governor, for sustaining this legacy, ensuring smooth academic operations, and prioritising education as a tool for empowerment. These efforts have brought university education closer to our people, created jobs and inspired our homegrown professionals to contribute to state development.

“To the vice chancellor, academic and non-academic staff, thank you for your dedication. Your hard work has made this first convocation possible.

“Running a university, especially one focused on science and technology, demands enormous resources and vision. Running three state universities requires even more courage, commitment, and discipline. The progress we see today shows that capable hands are at work. I commend the Governing Council for its wise leadership choices, and the vice chancellor for steering the institution with focus and resilience.

In his lecture, former governor Olusegun Mimiko said more public investment in health and education must be prioritised in the nation’s development efforts, stressing that the sibling alliance against development, illiteracy and ill-health must be confronted and turned around in favour of country’s development.