The Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens. He emphasized that the state is deliberate and intentional in leveraging education as a foundational weapon against terrorism, even as security agencies intensify efforts to defeat criminal elements across the state.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, made this known on Friday, 21st November 2025, at the 7th Convocation Ceremony of Salem University, Lokoja.
According to him, “In Kogi State, our deliberate and intentional objective is to use education to kill terrorism. The administration remains committed to strengthening the synergy between government institutions and private universities. We are deepening and expanding our free education policy and free examination registration initiative.”
Hon. Jones further reiterated the government’s dedication to making education qualitative, accessible, and affordable. He noted that the state has allocated 30% of its annual budget to education to ensure strong and sustainable funding support.
The Commissioner applauded Archbishop (Dr.) Sam Amaga and the Vice-Chancellor for securing approval for the MBBS programme in the university, describing the milestone as a monumental step that will help address the national shortage of healthcare professionals.
He stressed that Governor Ododo firmly believes that Kogi State and Nigeria grow stronger when institutions like Salem University produce innovative and passionate change agents young graduates prepared to rebuild society. He urged the graduands to enter the workforce not merely as job seekers, but as problem solvers and drivers of transformation.
He congratulated the graduands and encouraged them to step confidently into the next phase of life, using the knowledge, character, and values acquired to become instruments of positive change everywhere they go.
In their separate remarks, the Chancellor and Founder of Salem University, Archbishop (Dr.) Sam Amaga, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Alewo Johnson Akubo, expressed profound appreciation to the Kogi State Government under Governor Ododo’s leadership for providing a conducive, secure, and peaceful learning environment.
Archbishop Amaga described the graduates as torchbearers of transformation thinkers, innovators, and leaders that Nigeria and the world greatly need. He advised them to remain firm in their convictions, allowing faith and purpose to guide their future rather than societal pressure.
Speaking with newsmen, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo who bagged a Master of Science in Criminology and Security Studies — described the accomplishment as a landmark achievement for him and his colleagues. He explained that he intentionally chose the course to enhance his contribution to security development in the state, noting that the training has equipped them to become global change agents.
Salem University celebrated its 7th Convocation in grand style, graduating 172 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including Hon. Fanwo among the postgraduate class.
Adegboyega Segun
Information Officer
Ministry of Information and Communications.
