Kogi State governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has inaugurated a Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Centre at the State College of Education (COE), Ankpa, promising to address the college’s infrastructure deficit.
The commissioning of the centre was part of the activities marking Dr. Paul Femi Fashagba’s 100th day in office as provost of the school.
The governor in a message to the event described Fashagba as a pragmatic leader who has provided the needed leadership which has necessitated the successes recorded.
Governor Ododo, whose deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, represented, praised Dr. Femi’s exceptional leadership, dedication, and vision in steering the college towards progress and excellence.
He noted that the provost’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student welfare has been inspiring and commendable.
He highlighted significant improvements in infrastructure development, academic programmes, and overall college governance under Dr. Femi’s leadership.
He acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the entire college’s management, staff, and students in realising these heights.
The governor expressed confidence in Dr. Fashagba’s leadership and innovative strategy, saying that the college, will continue to flourish and thrive beyond boundaries under his watch, while assuring them of government commitment to addressing the challenges facing the institution.
Speaking earlier, Dr. Femi noted that upon assuming office, he had declared a state of emergency on water and electricity, which has been diligently addressed.
Dr. Fashagba noted that he has also declared a state of emergency on the road network of the college, which he said is in a bad condition.
He used the occasion to appeal for the implementation of promotion arrears for college staff and advocated the need for the successful passage and assent to the bill in the House of Assembly to allow the College of Education to confer both NCE and degree certificates so as to accommodate a greater number of students in the institution.
The event was attended by the secretary to the government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade, top government functionaries, family and friends, political leaders and traditional rulers among others.
