By Correspondent in Lokoja.
,,,Committee to submit report in 6 weeks.
The road towards establishing a state-owned university in Kogi West Senatorial district became feasible recently as the Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello inaugurated a committee for the institution become a reality.
Inaugurating the committee, Governor Bello stressed the importance of involving individuals who could contribute value to the committee's work and activities.
He said that the committee could co-opt other individuals, both Kogites and non-Kogites, to tap from their expertise in establishing the university.
Our correspondent reports that the lineup, as announced by the governor, comprises renowned professors who bring diverse expertise and experience to the table in the administration's efforts at enhancing quality education within the state.
The committee which has 17 distinguished professors as members is chaired by Professor Olu Obafemi, an accomplished academic and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters,
Other members include; Professor Abayomi Oloruntoba, Professor Kehinde Imisi Eniola, Professor Sunmola Afolabi, Professor Godwin Tunde Arosayin, Professor Gabriel Kolade Olorunleke, Professor Joseph Olorunju Omolehin, Professor Kingsley Ologe, Professor Sumaila Abdulganiyu, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, Professor Rotimi Ajayi, Professor Yomi Monday Ayesimi, Professor Suleiman Omeiza Eku Sadiku, Professor Adams Oyuoze Umoru Onuka, Professor Igonoh Joshua A., Professor Mohammed Bello Yunusa, and Professor Hadiza Aguye, who will serve as the committee's Secretary.
To ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach, the committee includes several key government officials.
The officials are the Kogi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mohammed Sani Ibrahim, SAN; Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D.; Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones; Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris Asiru; Commissioner for Works and Urban Development, Hon. Bako Samson; and Auditor-General, Hon. Yusuf Okala.
Members of the committee have been assigned a clear set of terms of reference, which includes determining the nature of the university to be established, be it specialized or conventional, and proposing an appropriate name for the institution.
Furthermore, they are responsible for preparing the necessary academic brief, university law, and university master plan to be presented to the National Universities Commission (NUC) for recognition and approval.
The committee will also identify an ideal location and a suitable site to ensure the immediate commencement of academic activities. In terms of sustainability, the committee will explore realistic and sustainable funding sources.
Additionally, any other activities required for the university's prompt establishment fall within the committee's purview.
The committee has been given a timeframe of six weeks from the date of inauguration to submit its reports, underscoring Governor Bello's commitment to a swift and efficient process in establishing the state-owned university.
In his remarks, Professor Olu Obafemi expressed the committee's commitment to diligently fulfilling the dreams of the governor and the people of Okunland.
He commended Governor Bello for his dedication to equality, fairness, and inclusive governance while highlighting the long-standing desire of the Okun people for a university, spanning several decades.
He emphasized that the establishment of the University in Okunland, by Bello's administration, was a significant and enduring gesture that would be remembered by the people for years to come.
The establishment of a state-owned university in Kogi West, he noted, represents a significant milestone for Governor Yahaya Bello's administration.
"It highlights his dedication to expanding educational opportunities and providing quality higher education to the people of Kogi State.
"With a committee consisting of eminent academics and government officials, the future university is poised to become a center of excellence and contribute to the overall development of the state's educational landscape," he said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
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