Biodun Esan, Ilorin
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State on Saturday inaugurated the Governing Council of the Kwara State University of Education (KWASED) in preparation for the official take-off of the school.
The 11-member Governing Council has Prof. Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem as its chairman and pro-chancellor.
Other members of the Council include Mrs. Opaleke Bukoĺa Iyabo, Hajia Risikat Lawal, Rotimi Samuel Olujide, Prof. Umar Gunu, Engr. Saad Belgore; Mr. Femi Aina; Omowumi Amuda; Hajia Kubra Kazum; Prof. Ibrahim Abdukadir Abikan; and Pastor Afolayan Joseph Babatunde, who represents the Ministry of Tertiary Education.
In an address to the council led by Prof. Oba Abdulraheem, Governor Abdulrazaq said the inauguration is another step in the evolution of the KWASUED, an initiative of the administration.
“This university is a child of necessity to position Kwara and its people for a sustainable future in the sphere of education and related disciplines.
“This institution is designed to be a successor to the College of Education Ilorin and a test run for how we handle the remaining Colleges in the face of new realities.
“With the calibre of the intellectuals, administrators, and statesmen on this Council, I am confident that you will midwife a seamless transition and build a new university of education that will be the envy of all.
“As the pioneer governing council, I urge you to raise the bar from the beginning and resist the pressures to make the school another centre for unaffordable wage bills through needless jobs.
“Employment, if any, must be strictly based on needs and affordability with consideration for competence and inclusion in line with our policy.
“The school should be run in a way that it does not become another burden on the scarce resources of government. I trust you to make the KWSUED a centre of excellence, research, and academic discipline in pursuit of higher ideals,” the Governor said
The Governor has also appointed the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu, as the Chancellor of the school.
The inauguration was attended by the State APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi; Deputy Chief of Staff, Princess Bukola Babalola; Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr Mary Arinde; Senior Adviser and Counsellor Sa’adu Salau.
Others at the occasion were Special Adviser on Special Duties Alhaji Abdulrazhaq Jiddah; Senior Special Assistant on Religion (Islam) Ibrahim Danmaigoro; and Permanent Secretary Ministry of the Tertiary Education Barrister Sabitiyu Kikelomo Grillo, among others.
Dr. Arinde commended the Governor for his visionary leadership that established the unique institution.
“The occasion marks a significant step in advancing the vision and mission of the university, and in shaping the future of education in the state:” she said.
Arinde thanked the Governor for his unwavering commitment to the educational development of the state, and for making the right choices in the appointment of the Council members.
In his remarks, the Council Chairman, Prof. Oba Abdulraheem, appreciated the Governor’s vision and commitment to take Kwara to a greater height.
The pro-chancellor described education as the bedrock of any society and added that the Governor’s passion for qualitative education at all levels is very significant.
He said the Governing Council will do its utmost to achieve the Governor’s dream of building a University of Education that would stand tall in Nigeria and beyond.
“Committing yourself to funding qualitative education is not just a political decision; it is more rewarding and you are discharging it very well,” he said.
“Your Excellency, I cannot, and I must not omit your commitment to education, and the composition of this team is a further emblem of your integrity. We must do everything to make this succeed.
“You are known for your disposition to gender sensitivity and balance, and that has been reflected in the composition of this council.
“You also have never at any time given us any redundant person to work with. Once again, on behalf of all of us, I’m very proud to be associated with this project and to be one of the lucky Kwarans to be called to serve in this kind of responsibility,” he said.
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