…Appointment follows landmark MoU with Thomas Adewumi University to strengthen medical training and healthcare delivery
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the appointment of Prof. Ademola Alabi Popoola as the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the newly designated Thomas Adewumi Teaching Hospital, Omu-Aran.
The appointment comes after the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kwara State Government and Thomas Adewumi University, Oko, which officially upgraded the General Hospital, Omu-Aran, into the University’s teaching hospital.
Announcing the development, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, said Prof. Popoola’s appointment is a strategic move to provide visionary leadership that will steer the hospital towards global standards in medical training, research, and service delivery.
She described the initiative as a bold step that will not only strengthen the medical programmes of Thomas Adewumi University but also expand access to quality healthcare services for residents of Kwara and neighbouring states.
“With this appointment, the Kwara State Government has once again demonstrated its commitment to building a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous future for its people,” Dr. El-Imam added.
Prof. Popoola, a seasoned medical professional, is expected to bring his wealth of experience to the role, positioning the teaching hospital as a centre of excellence in healthcare and medical education.
… Governor AbdulRazaq hails milestone, urges more private sector, community support for education
The Kwara State Education Trust Fund (Kwara-ETF) has awarded its first set of scholarships to 12 outstanding pupils from public schools, who will have their entire secondary school education fully sponsored under the scheme.
The development, described by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as a “dream come true” for the state, comes barely two years after the Fund was established to support public education.
Speaking at the orientation programme for the inaugural beneficiaries, Governor AbdulRazaq said education funding is too important and expensive to be left to government alone. He called on philanthropists, corporate bodies, and individuals to support the Trust Fund by sponsoring students or investing in school infrastructure.
“Education belongs to all of us. It is our business. But we have seen over the years that governments alone can’t fully fund education. We need to engage through other means,” the Governor said.
“What you have seen here today is a model where some students were selected through a very rigorous and transparent process to benefit from a scholarship. I am truly excited that these pupils are from humble backgrounds and did not cut corners to make the list. This is just the beginning. We will keep tracking them to the university level.”
He added that his administration will continue to donate to the Trust Fund to strengthen its impact.
The Executive Secretary of Kwara-ETF, Oluwadamilola Amolegbe, explained that the beneficiaries were selected from an initial shortlist of 640 top-performing pupils drawn from the KwaraLEARN digital literacy programme. From that pool, 180 pupils were supported to sit for the National Common Entrance Examination, out of which 36 excelled. The final 12 were then picked based on merit, local government spread, and admission into Unity Schools.
Programme Manager, Zainab Abdulsalam, said the ETF will continue to track and monitor the scholars’ performance to ensure that the state’s investments in education through KwaraLEARN, the Trust Fund, and the Ministry of Education deliver visible results.
“These pupils represent the face of an average Kwaran. They now have the opportunity to access life-changing exposure and opportunities,” she said.
Parents express joy One of the parents, Maxwell Kolawole from Ekiti Local Government, commended the Governor for easing the financial burden of school fees and other expenses.
“This is truly a pro-masses initiative. The process was transparent and impressive, and we are grateful to the Governor and his administration,” he said.
The Kwara Education Trust Fund was established in 2021 through legislation and is managed by trustees drawn mainly from the private sector and community stakeholders. It has since attracted contributions from philanthropists and development partners, with the inaugural scholarship awards marking a new milestone in its mission to support quality education for Kwaran children.
The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to generating accurate, reliable, and timely data to drive effective planning and policy formulation in the education sector.
Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, gave the assurance on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with Education Management Information System (EMIS) officials from the 16 Local Government Areas, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Ilorin.
Declaring the meeting open, Olohungbebe stressed the central role of credible data in sustaining education reforms and growth, quoting Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as saying: “Our administration is determined to ensure every education policy is founded on credible data. Without reliable statistics, informed decisions and effective planning are impossible.”
He appealed to heads of schools to cooperate fully with EMIS officials by providing timely and accurate information while avoiding admitting students beyond their schools’ carrying capacity. The Commissioner also commended the Governor for his consistent interventions in the education sector.
In his goodwill message, Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Raheem Adaramaja, underscored the importance of EMIS in strengthening the school system. He said the deliberations would enhance the effectiveness of data collection across assignments.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Olanrewaju Rebecca Bake, described stakeholders’ collaboration as key to ensuring comprehensive coverage. She encouraged participants to share best practices and adopt workable strategies for a successful 2024/2025 annual school census.
Director of Education Planning, Research, and Development, Mallam Adeshina Azeez, disclosed that the new EMIS exercise would deploy both analogue and digital tools to improve accuracy, reliability, and efficiency in data gathering.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Kwara State Bureau of Statistics, Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), SUBEB, All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), and the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA).
The wide participation, officials noted, reflects a strong commitment to strengthening data-driven decision-making and policy development in Kwara’s education sector.
The Kwara State Government has assured residents of communities affected by the proposed Kwara Smart City Project that their interests will be fairly considered, with adequate compensation and protection of cultural heritage.
The assurance was given by the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, during a meeting in Ilorin with a delegation from Alalubosa community in Ilorin East Local Government, led by the Baale, Alhaji Sakariyau Shonibare.
Dr. Ogunsola explained that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is personally monitoring the project to ensure it aligns with global best practices, balancing socio-economic development with preservation of cultural heritage.
He noted that concerns about job displacement had been addressed, stressing that the project would instead create hundreds of employment opportunities for local residents from inception to completion.
“We appeal for your full cooperation and support for the smooth execution of this project. The Smart City facilities will transform the area and deliver lasting benefits to all Kwarans,” he said.
On the concerns of investors, the Commissioner assured that their investments were secured and integrated into the project’s master plan to guarantee seamless business operations.
The Permanent Secretary, Alhaja Risikat Abdulazeez, thanked the community for engaging productively with government, adding that Governor AbdulRazaq would not disappoint in ensuring residents benefit fully from the project.
Also speaking, the Deed Registrar from Kwara State Geographical Information Service, Mallam Nuhu Yusuf, emphasized that the government values both historical and cultural landmarks, and will work with stakeholders to preserve identified heritage sites within the Smart City.
Presenting the community’s position, Dr. Babatunde Saka, Secretary of Alalubosa, said the meeting reflected the government’s transparency and accessibility, while praying for the continued success of the AbdulRazaq administration.
Other stakeholders, including investors already operating in the designated area, urged the state to factor in the peculiarities of their businesses. They, however, congratulated the government on the landmark Smart City project, describing it as another bold step that distinguishes the present administration.
.. Olukoju: Platform will deepen transparency, accountability in governance
The Kwara State Government has announced that it will hold the third quarter edition of its Quarterly Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing on September 23–24, 2025, to provide comprehensive updates on the policies, programmes, and achievements of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration.
The disclosure was made in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, from the Ministry’s headquarters on Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin.
According to the statement, the two-day engagement will feature Commissioners and Chief Executives of Agencies presenting detailed reports on their activities over the last quarter.
“This platform showcases the government’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability. Beyond projecting our progress in various sectors, the briefing will also provide an opportunity for the press and members of the public to engage directly with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on their initiatives and impact over the last quarter,” the statement said.
It further noted that the briefing will be streamed live across all official Kwara State Government social media platforms, encouraging citizens to take part in the process.
“We therefore charge everyone to join the live stream and be part of this exercise as the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration remains steadfast in its mission to deliver good governance and keep Kwarans fully informed,” the statement added.
… 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.
… 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.
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.
… 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.
… 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.
