Education investment drives youth empowerment, says Kwara governor

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has said sustained investment in tertiary education remains a critical pathway to youth empowerment and overall state development.

The Governor stated this at the weekend during the 13th Convocation Ceremony of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening access to quality higher education.

Represented by Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Abdulrazaq said the administration has remained resolute in repositioning the education sector for excellence.

“Our administration is committed to repositioning the education sector for greatness. KWASU, in particular, has benefitted immensely from our renewed focus on academic growth and infrastructural expansion,” the Governor said.

He cited the establishment of the Osi Campus and the completion of the Ilesha-Baruba Campus as landmark achievements that have expanded the university’s reach across the state.

Read also: Kwara varsity secures N1bn TETFund grants to boost infrastructure

“These projects reflect our clear vision to bring higher education closer to the people while creating opportunities for research, innovation and community development,” he added.

According to the Governor, the state government has also invested in modern learning facilities, digital tools and research support systems to prepare students for global competitiveness. He noted that policies aimed at academic stability have helped position Kwara as an emerging education hub.

Abdulrazaq further highlighted strategic partnerships between KWASU and initiatives such as the Kwara Innovation Hub and the Sugar Factory Film Studio, describing them as vital to nurturing talent and enterprise.

“Such partnerships are necessary if we are to create real opportunities for our young people to compete globally,” he said.

The Governor urged the graduating students to see their degrees as tools for service and innovation rather than merely for personal advancement, challenging them to rise above mediocrity and focus on solving societal problems.

“Your education is not merely a certificate; it is a responsibility to make meaningful contributions to your communities and the nation. The world needs solution providers, not spectators,” he said.

He also appealed to parents and guardians to give their children the support and time needed to grow, cautioning against undue pressure for instant success.

In his remarks, Johnson Bamidele Adewumi, the Chancellor of the University, commended the Governor for what he described as consistent and visionary support for KWASU’s growth, particularly in infrastructure and academic development.

“The Governor ensured the take-off of the Osi and Ilesha-Baruba campuses and also provided the University with an excellent facility for training medical doctors. Without his commitment, this vision would have remained a dream,” Adewumi said.

He also called on the private sector and philanthropists to partner with the university to enhance its capacity for teaching, research and innovation.

Similarly, Abdulganiyu Ambali – Professor, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, said the steady expansion of KWASU was closely linked to the support of the Kwara State Government, including the completion of the new campuses and the University Teaching Hospital.

“We are grateful to His Excellency for keeping his promises. These facilities have strengthened our academic and training capacity,” Ambali said, while calling for increased collaboration from donor agencies and industrialists.

Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, Professor of Islamic Studies, the Vice-Chancellor charged the 2024/2025 graduands to embrace optimism, resilience and service to humanity, describing them as game-changers equipped to positively impact society.

“Optimism is a basic ingredient for success. Do not be discouraged by failure; rise, do things differently and keep trying until you succeed,” Jimoh said.

He urged the graduates to live beyond the pursuit of material wealth and remain worthy ambassadors of the institution wherever they find themselves.

A total of 8,119 students graduated during the session, including 82 First Class degree holders, alongside Master’s and PhD graduates.

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