Kwara Rising

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  • Kwara Records Steady Growth in 2025 Placement Examination

    Kwara Records Steady Growth in 2025 Placement Examination

    … Participation, performance hit new highs as state sustains education reforms

    The Kwara State Government has announced significant progress in the 2025 placement examination, with both participation and performance showing steady growth.

    Releasing the results on behalf of the government, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, quoted Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as saying the outcome reaffirms the administration’s commitment to strengthening public education.

    “The encouraging results from both the placement and BECE examinations reaffirm our administration’s commitment to strengthening public education. We are proud of the steady progress and will continue to invest in teaching, learning and infrastructure so that every Kwara child has a fair chance to succeed,” the Governor said.

    Figures released by the Ministry showed that participation rose by 3.09%, from 62,031 candidates in 2024 to 63,950 in 2025, reflecting a rising demand for public education and the impact of government-led initiatives across schools and local education authorities.

    Performance outcomes also improved, with the overall pass rate climbing to 83.21% in 2025, compared with 73.98% in 2024 and 66.99% in 2019 — the strongest result within the review period.

    At the subject level, Mathematics recorded a 72.86% pass rate in 2025, up from 67% in 2024; English improved to 74.61% from 73%; while General Studies rose to 85.30% from 78%.

    Dr. Olohungbebe noted that the results build on recent gains from the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), where Kwara students also recorded improved performance.

    The Commissioner commended teachers, school leaders, parents and learners for their collective efforts, stressing that the achievements reflect the government’s sustained investments in education and the determination of stakeholders to raise standards across the state.

  • Kwara, IITA Train 10,000 Farmers in Late Season Maize Production

    Kwara, IITA Train 10,000 Farmers in Late Season Maize Production

    … Govt targets youth, food security with landmark agricultural initiative

    The Kwara State Government, in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) through the Kwara Agricultural Development Project (KWADP), has flagged off the training of lead maize farmers for late season farming in Ilorin, the state capital.

    Under the initiative, 100 lead farmers drawn from across the state will undergo intensive training, with each expected to train an additional 100 farmers, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 10,000 farmers.

    Declaring the programme open, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, described it as a landmark achievement for the state. He explained that the programme is specially dedicated to young farmers, with Kwara emerging as one of only four states in Nigeria selected to pioneer the initiative.

    Dr. Abolore urged participants to remain fully committed, stressing that their discipline and dedication would determine the success of the initiative. He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his exceptional commitment to agriculture and thanked IITA for its technical support.

    Managing Director of KWADP, Dr. Khadijat Ahmed Alege, also applauded the Governor’s foresight, urging participants to take the training seriously as their knowledge would be multiplied through thousands of other farmers across the state.

    Speaking on behalf of the participants, Alhaji Salaudeen Mukaila expressed gratitude to the government, describing the interventions such as free tractorization and input support as “life-changing” and reassuring for grassroots farmers.

    The training, focused on maize production for late season farming, is expected to further position Kwara as a hub of agricultural innovation while reinforcing the government’s long-term food security strategy.

    According to officials, by combining training with practical interventions, the initiative will empower young farmers with modern knowledge and resources to drive productivity, build resilient food systems, and secure sustainable livelihoods across the state.

  • Kwara Opens Applications for 2025 Bursary and Scholarship Awards

    Kwara Opens Applications for 2025 Bursary and Scholarship Awards

    The Kwara State Government has announced the official opening of applications for the 2025 Bursary and Scholarship Award, targeting indigenous students currently enrolled in tertiary institutions across Nigeria as well as graduates of the Nigerian Law School.

    According to a statement from the Kwara State Scholarship Board, the application process will run from September 4 to September 18, 2025, and all applicants are required to submit their forms through the official portal at scholarship.kwarastate.gov.ng.

    The initiative, carried out at the directive of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and supervised by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, is part of government efforts to support students and promote access to quality education.

    To qualify, applicants must be registered with the Kwara State Residents Registration Agency (KWASRRA) and will need their KWASRRA SSID alongside their National Identification Number (NIN) to complete the process.

    Mandatory documents to be uploaded include a passport photograph, local government citizenship certificate, admission letter, duly stamped final-year course registration form, institutional ID card, evidence of NAKSS due payment, KWASRRA certificate, NAKSS receipt, and valid NIN slip.

    The government emphasized that incomplete applications or failure to meet the deadline will lead to automatic disqualification.

    The Scholarship Board urged eligible students to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to easing the financial burden on students and encouraging academic excellence.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Commends Isin Vigilantes’ Bravery, Approves ₦10m Support for Family of Slain Member

    Gov AbdulRazaq Commends Isin Vigilantes’ Bravery, Approves ₦10m Support for Family of Slain Member

    … Army extends Operation Fansan Yamma to Kwara as Governor urges calm, vows stronger logistics support

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has praised the courage of vigilante members in Isin Local Government whose resistance led to the neutralisation of several armed criminals during an encounter in Eleyin community.

    In a statement issued in Ilorin on Saturday, the Governor described the action as a bold assertion of the people’s right to live without fear. He expressed condolences to the family of Mr. Saheed Adeshina, a vigilante member who died from injuries sustained in the clash, approving ₦10 million financial support for his family.

    “May God repose his soul and comfort his loved ones at this difficult time. His bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten,” the Governor said.

    AbdulRazaq assured that the government will replace motorcycles lost during the operation and intensify logistic support for both security agencies and local vigilantes. He urged residents to remain calm and avoid violent protests, stressing that such actions could undermine ongoing security efforts.

    “The reported mass neutralisation of the criminals sends a clear message that Kwarans will not accept provocation or intimidation. Together with the security forces, our communities will be rid of criminal elements,” the Governor added.

    He also announced that the Nigerian Army has extended Operation Fansan Yamma to Kwara, reinforcing the state’s security architecture in collaboration with local vigilantes.

    The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring safety across the state, promising continuous support for community-based security efforts alongside formal security agencies.

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Rewards Debate Champions, Tutors with ₦7m Cheques

    Governor AbdulRazaq Rewards Debate Champions, Tutors with ₦7m Cheques

    … Students get ₦1m each, tutors ₦500,000 for national victory

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has fulfilled his pledge to reward the state’s representatives at the 2025 President’s Schools Debate, presenting a total of ₦7 million in cash prizes to the champions and their tutors.

    At a brief ceremony on Thursday at the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, the Governor, represented by Commissioner Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, handed out cheques to the beneficiaries. Each of the four victorious students received ₦1 million, while six tutors got ₦500,000 each, in recognition of their outstanding performance at the national competition in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    Dr. Olohungbebe said the gesture reflects the administration’s commitment to promoting excellence in education, noting that the win was a product of ongoing reforms in the sector. “This government believes in encouraging brilliance and rewarding hard work. The students’ performance has made Kwara proud, and this is a motivation for others,” he said.

    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Olanrewaju Rebecca Bake, applauded Governor AbdulRazaq’s consistent support for education and urged the beneficiaries to justify the recognition with renewed dedication to learning and teaching.

    Former Lagos State Special Adviser on Primary and Secondary Education, Mr. Sanni Sheu Ahmed, also hailed the Governor’s intervention, saying the recognition would inspire more students across Nigeria to pursue academic excellence.

    The debate champions—Moshood Kamaldeen (Government Secondary School, Ilorin); AbdulAzeez Abdulmuntasir (St. Anthony Secondary School, Ilorin); Usman Mariam Enyo (Ilorin Grammar School, Ilorin); and AbdulAzeez Aisha (Nawarudeen Grammar School, Offa)—expressed gratitude to the Governor alongside their tutors.

    The six tutors; Babatunde Amina, Hassan Iyabo, Ashaolu Olugbenga Jude, Mofoluwaso Agbeleye, Fadare Abigail Oluwayemisi, and OgidiOlu Tunde Taofeeq—also thanked the Governor for the recognition, pledging greater commitment to grooming future champions.

    Parents of the awardees described the financial rewards as a morale booster and an uncommon gesture that underscores the Governor’s passion for education and youth development.

  • Kwara Announces September 15 as Resumption Date for Schools

    Kwara Announces September 15 as Resumption Date for Schools

    … Government assures safe, conducive environment for learners

    The Kwara State Government has fixed September 15, 2025, as the official resumption date for the 2025/2026 academic session for all basic, junior, and secondary schools across the state.

    The announcement was made in Ilorin on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, who said adequate measures are in place to guarantee a safe and conducive learning atmosphere in schools.

    Olohungbebe explained that the decision followed resolutions reached at the recent education stakeholders’ meeting convened by the ministry to review preparedness for the new academic year.

    He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering support for the education sector, which, according to him, continues to yield positive results in learning outcomes and the welfare of teachers and students alike.

    “A review of the previous academic year has been undertaken, and areas requiring more attention have been identified. As a government, we reassure all stakeholders, including our partners, of our commitment to uninterrupted education for all learners in Kwara State,” the commissioner said.

    He noted that recent examination results showed remarkable improvements in students’ performance across the state, saying the achievement will spur the administration to intensify efforts in strengthening the education system.

    The commissioner disclosed that the government is finalising a new policy framework to further enhance the sector, with details to be announced after ongoing consultations with stakeholders are concluded.

    Olohungbebe urged parents, school heads, learners, and administrators to support government initiatives aimed at delivering quality and inclusive education. He added that several programmes, including technological solutions, are being deployed to make learning more attractive and accessible to every child in Kwara State.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Approves 2024 Cash Backing for 3,594 TESCOM Staff 

    Gov AbdulRazaq Approves 2024 Cash Backing for 3,594 TESCOM Staff 

    …Move reinforces administration’s commitment to teachers’ welfare

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the 2024 cash backing for 3,594 teaching and non-teaching staff of the State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), with immediate effect.

    The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Bello Tauheed Abubakar, announced this on Wednesday while addressing the management staff of the commission.

    He described the approval as another clear testimony of Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to improving the welfare of teachers across the state.

    Bello recalled that since assuming office in 2019, the Governor had cash-backed pending promotions from 2015, 2016, and 2017, and has consistently sustained the practice through to 2023.

    He assured staff that the present administration will continue to ensure that all promotions are backed with cash as and when due.

    While appreciating Governor AbdulRazaq’s huge investment in teachers’ welfare, Bello pledged the commission’s continued loyalty and dedication to duty, promising that staff will justify the government’s gesture through hard work and commitment.

  • Kwara Govt Launches AI Training to Empower Teachers 

    Kwara Govt Launches AI Training to Empower Teachers 


    …Initiative marks new phase in state’s education reform agenda 

    The Kwara State Government has introduced a one-day training programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pedagogy for selected public senior secondary school teachers across the state.

    The training, themed “Empowering the 21st Century Educator”, was held at the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development Resource Centre, Tanke, Ilorin.

    Declaring the programme open, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, described the initiative as a turning point in Kwara’s education reform drive.

    “Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey to transform education in Kwara State and prepare our students and teachers for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world,” he said.

    He urged teachers to embrace their role as “architects of transformation,” noting that AI integration is not just about technical tools but about re-imagining how knowledge is delivered in classrooms.

    “Let today be the beginning of a new chapter, one where Kwara classrooms become hubs of innovation, inclusion, and inspiration,” he added.

    The Commissioner praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for creating an enabling environment for innovation through sustained investment in education.

    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Olanrewaju Rebecca Bake, also applauded the Governor’s commitment to education reforms, urging participants to put the knowledge gained to practical use for the benefit of students.

    Lead trainer Mrs. Fadimu Benedicta Toyosi described the workshop as a “golden opportunity” for teachers to adapt to digital realities, commending the Ministry for spearheading efforts to modernise teaching methods.

    Participants expressed appreciation to the government and called for AI training to be expanded to reach more teachers across the state.

    The event was attended by senior officials of the Ministry, including the Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply, Alhaji Abduraheem Abiodun Rufai, and Director of Human Capital Development, Mrs. Oludare Olawumi Victoria.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Pledges Greater Inclusion as Citizens’ Budget Engagements Wrap Up in Kwara South

    Gov AbdulRazaq Pledges Greater Inclusion as Citizens’ Budget Engagements Wrap Up in Kwara South

    …Olupo, stakeholders laud Governor’s achievements, highlight fresh community needs 

    The Kwara State Government on Thursday concluded its citizens’ engagement for the 2026 budget in Ilemona, Oyun Local Government Area, giving residents of Kwara South a platform to shape the next fiscal plan.

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Princess Olubukola Babalola, said the engagements are designed to ensure that the state budget reflects the true needs and aspirations of citizens across all districts.

    “For a budget to be effective, it must reflect the needs of the people. Our government believes that planning for the people without the people is planning to fail. That is why this engagement is crucial,” the Governor said.

    He added that past engagements had produced results in healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, agriculture, and education, stressing the need to deepen government–citizen partnership for inclusive and sustainable development.

    Deputy Speaker of the Kwara House of Assembly, Hon. Oyebode, commended the administration’s investment in road infrastructure in the region, citing the ongoing Afon-Ojoku-Offa-Odo Otin road. He also requested more roads linking rural communities to markets.

    Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Arinde, said the exercise underscores AbdulRazaq’s commitment to listening to the people. She noted that projects across Kwara South have shown that development is spread across the state.

    Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, listed key projects in the region, including Ajase-Ipo to Bayero road, Arandun-Esie-Oro road, and Ijara-Isin-Sabaja-Owa Onire road, while announcing upcoming contracts such as Omu Aran township road and Olofa Way in Offa.

    Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, disclosed that work will begin at the long-abandoned Offa stadium within two weeks, while housing projects are underway to benefit at least 600 households in Kwara South.

    Council chairmen and community leaders praised the Governor’s open-door policy, requesting additional roads, water projects, and security interventions.

    Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, commended AbdulRazaq’s people-focused governance, declaring the full support of monarchs in the region for his administration.

    The engagement marks the final leg of the three-phase consultation, following similar sessions in Bode Saadu (Kwara North) and Afon (Kwara Central).

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Flags Off Upgrade of Ahman Pategi Road

    Governor AbdulRazaq Flags Off Upgrade of Ahman Pategi Road

    …Project set to ease traffic flow, improve safety, and boost local businesses

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commenced the upgrade of the popular Ahman Pategi Road in Ilorin, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to transform critical infrastructure and make roads safer and more accessible across the state.

    The project, which is part of the government’s rural-urban renewal initiative, is expected to enhance vehicular movement, reduce traffic congestion, and stimulate economic activities along the route, which is home to several businesses including Kingstone Grand Suites.

    Residents and business owners have expressed excitement at the development, describing it as a major relief that will ease daily movement and promote commerce in the area.

    Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has in the past six years invested significantly in road construction and rehabilitation across the three senatorial districts of Kwara, a move that has earned him recognition as one of the nation’s high-performing governors in infrastructure delivery.

    The ongoing upgrade of Ahman Pategi Road, residents said, is another clear example of the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of citizens while driving sustainable economic growth.