By Gloria Amodu
In Kogi State, beautiful shift is underway in tertiary education that is rewriting the future for thousands of students and communities alike.
Under the visionary leadership of Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, institutions like Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) Anyigba and the College of Education, Ankpa, are experiencing a rapid and groundbreaking transformation. From modern laboratories and solar-powered streetlights to the resurrection of a once-dormant MBBS program, Kogi’s educational system is not just changing; it is soaring to greater heights.
This was evident on Day Two of the Kogi State Media Tour to the Eastern Senatorial District, where Commissioners Kingsley Femi Fanwo (Information and Communications) and Engr. Mohammed Ahovi Yusuf (Works) led a thorough inspection of freshly built, renovated, and technologically upgraded facilities. Fanwo’s praise was unequivocal: “Education is at the heart of this administration’s agenda.”
Prince Abubakar Audu University and Kogi State College of Education, once limited by infrastructure and resources, now boast modern facilities and a conducive learning environment in Igala Land. The suspension of the MBBS program at PAAU for over a decade was a blow to many aspiring doctors until Governor Ododo’s intervention sparked a revival. The College of Health Sciences is undergoing transformational upgrades, including an expanded teaching hospital, state-of-the-art laboratories, and new hostels, signaling a beacon of hope for medical students and the healthcare sector.
Also, the College of Education, Ankpa, which started humbly in 1981 with basic facilities, has undergone a dramatic turnaround. Students who once relied on stream water and dim streetlights now benefit from a restored industrial borehole, 50-plus solar-powered streetlights, and enhanced security measures. Provost Paul Fashagba boldly anticipates an influx of students eager to tap into new skill acquisition programs.
Kogi’s progress is not superficial; it’s embodied in tangible infrastructure—a FIFA-standard football pitch at PAAU hosting national events, expanded internal road networks, advanced molecular labs, and entrepreneurial workshops. The Commissioner for Works pledged steadfast support to ensure these transformative projects are completed with excellence.
This transformation goes beyond brick and mortar, it is about restoring dreams and opportunities. Governor Ododo’s commitment is rekindling hope for students who once studied under the shadows. The revitalization of Kogi’s tertiary institutions signals a future brimming with promise, innovation, and academic prestige. Political will has indeed set the firm foundation for an educational renaissance that will empower generations to come.
