Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, has affirmed that the administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is demonstrating the political will and commitment required to reposition tertiary education in the State.
Hon. Fanwo stated this on Tuesday when he led a delegation, alongside the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Mohammed Yusuf, on the inspection of projects at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Ayingba, and the College of Education, Ankpa, as part of Day 2 of the Kogi State Media Tour to the Eastern Senatorial District.
Speaking during the inspection, Hon. Fanwo commended Governor Ododo for prioritizing education, stressing that the ongoing investments in infrastructure and academic programs reflect the Governor’s determination to strengthen human capital development in the state.
At Prince Abubakar Audu University, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mariatu Tenuche, commended Governor Ododo for his political will to embark on landmark projects within the institution. She noted that the university has grown from six to eight faculties, now running 63 degree programs, postgraduate courses, and specialized centers, while overcoming past accreditation challenges. She particularly praised the directive of Governor Ododo to revive the MBBS program, which had been suspended for 12 years, with ongoing work at the College of Health Sciences Complex and the University Teaching Hospital.
Similarly, the Provost of the College of Education, Ankpa, Professor Paul Fashagba, expressed appreciation for the Governor’s interventions which, he said, have already changed the outlook of the college within just five months of his administration. He explained that on his assumption of duty, students relied on streams for water and studied under streetlights for years. Still, Governor Ododo promptly addressed these challenges by fixing the industrial borehole that had been non-functional for five years, installing over 50 solar streetlights to illuminate the campus, and providing motorcycles to boost campus security. Prof. Fashagba assured that the college will record increased student enrollment in the coming admission cycle, owing to new skill acquisition programs now in place.
Facilities inspected during the tour include:
College of Health Sciences Complex, PAAU with new laboratories, consultancy offices, hostels, and an e-library nearing completion.
University Teaching Hospital, PAAU renovation and expansion works are ongoing for clinical training.
Molecular Laboratory, PAAU, is fully equipped and operational.
University Sports Stadium, PAAU, a FIFA-standard football pitch ranked among the best in Nigerian universities, already hosts national league matches.
Basa Avenue Road Projects, PAAU, 1.5km of internal road networks completed in 2024.
Prince Abubakar Audu University Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition Workshop
College of Education, Ankpa – provision of portable water through an industrial borehole, campus illumination with 50 solar streetlights, and enhanced security with motorcycles.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Mohammed Yusuf, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the projects inspected and assured that the Ministry of Works will continue to provide technical support to ensure timely and durable delivery.
The inspection of PAAU and the College of Education formed a major highlight of the media tour and reflects the administration’s resolve to expand access, upgrade facilities, and raise standards across Kogi State’s tertiary institutions.
Princess Funsho Sumanu
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning.
