Kwara Rising

Category: Education

  • KWASU Council Chair Commends Gov AbdulRazaq for Transforming Health, Education Sectors

    KWASU Council Chair Commends Gov AbdulRazaq for Transforming Health, Education Sectors

    …. Ambali hails conversion of General Hospital to Teaching Hospital ahead of medical school accreditation

    The Chairman of the Governing Council of Kwara State University (KWASU) and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, has applauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what he described as impactful governance that has brought unprecedented development to Kwara, particularly in the education and health sectors.

    Prof. Ambali made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH) in preparation for the final accreditation of the university’s medical school and the commencement of clinical training for medical students.

    He praised the administration’s decision to transform the General Hospital into a Teaching Hospital, saying the move will not only aid the training of medical students and related professionals but also improve healthcare delivery across the state.

    “The present administration under the leadership of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has embarked on projects that have significant and direct impact on the people, especially the conversion of the General Hospital into a Teaching Hospital. This will support the training of medical professionals and enhance quality healthcare services for Kwarans and neighbouring states,” Ambali said.

    The Council Chairman urged the hospital management to ensure full readiness ahead of the September accreditation by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the resumption of clinical training for students immediately afterward.

    In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of KWASUTH, Dr. Bola Ahmed, thanked Prof. Ambali and KWASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sheikh Luqman Jimoh, for their commitment to making the medical school project a reality. He commended the state government for its continued investment in critical medical equipment, noting that these provisions will improve service delivery and position Kwara as a pace-setter in healthcare development.

    Dr. Ahmed assured that the government remains committed to providing the facilities, equipment, and manpower required to further strengthen the hospital’s capacity for medical training and healthcare delivery.

    The meeting was attended by Prof. Jimoh and other top management officials of KWASUTH.

  • Kwara Govt, KWASU Unveil Converted Electric Vehicles in Push for Sustainable

    Kwara Govt, KWASU Unveil Converted Electric Vehicles in Push for Sustainable

    … Governor AbdulRazaq hailed for visionary support as university showcases innovation

    The Kwara State Government, in partnership with Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has unveiled converted electric vehicles as part of its drive to promote sustainable transportation and technological innovation.

    At the official handing-over ceremony, the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, described the project as a landmark achievement in the state’s collaboration with KWASU. He said the initiative underscores the potential of electric vehicles to cut carbon emissions and foster eco-friendly mobility in Kwara.

    Hon. Adelodun praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for his visionary leadership and support, noting that training sessions for relevant staff will soon follow to ensure the smooth adoption of the new technology.

    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Kemi Adeoshun, also commended KWASU for conceiving and executing the project at a time when global attention is shifting towards renewable energy. She expressed gratitude to the Governor for championing forward-thinking projects that “put smiles on the faces of the people.”

    Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Chairman of KWASU Holdings Committee, Prof. Kenneth Adeyemi, said the university was proud to work with the state government on a project that demonstrates Kwara’s potential in electric mobility. He described the initiative as proof of what public-private and public-public partnerships can achieve under an enabling environment.

    Prof. Adeyemi explained that KWASU successfully converted scrapped petrol-powered vehicles into electric models, serving as a proof of concept for wider adoption of sustainable technologies in the state. He lauded the Governor’s infrastructure-driven vision for building a “new Kwara State.”

    The initiative, jointly championed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology and KWASU, is expected to drive innovation, strengthen environmental awareness, and inspire further research into sustainable energy solutions.

    Dignitaries present at the event included senior officials from the Ministry, members of KWASU Holdings Committee, representatives of the Centre for Sustainable Energy, and university management staff.

  • Kwara to Renovate 898 Public Secondary Schools Statewide

    Kwara to Renovate 898 Public Secondary Schools Statewide

    …Over 5,000 community leaders to be trained to oversee facility upgrades

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government has launched plans to renovate 898 junior and senior public secondary schools across the state as part of its ongoing education reform agenda.

    Under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, specifically the 1.2 Renovation sub-component, over 5,000 members of School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) are being trained to supervise these school upgrades. The announcement was made during a monitoring visit to the Kwara State College of Education in Ilorin by AGILE Project Coordinator, Mr. Adeshina Salami.

    During the five-day training, SBMC members are being equipped with essential skills in needs assessment, development of School Improvement Plans (SIP), and project management. Coordinated across the state’s three senatorial districts, the training involves six SBMC members from each of the 898 schools, including the chairman, principal (as secretary), female treasurer, a teacher representative, and two technically skilled artisans.

    Renovations will focus not only on classroom upgrades but will also include improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities. Stakeholders emphasise that community ownership, transparency, and quality assurance are at the core of the implementation model.

    The AGILE Project’s Renovation sub-component aims to create safe and enriching learning environments—particularly for adolescent girls—by encouraging school completion through improved infrastructure. SBMCs, drawn from local stakeholders, are expected to oversee the renovations at the community level.

  • Kwara Billionaire Stuns State with ₦20m Gift, Full Scholarships for Top Pupils

    Kwara Billionaire Stuns State with ₦20m Gift, Full Scholarships for Top Pupils

    …Al-Hikmah University founder’s pledge sets new record for Education Trust Fund support

    In what has been described as a major boost for education in Kwara State, Alhaji Raheem Oladimeji, founder of Al-Hikmah University, has donated ₦20 million to the Kwara State Education Trust Fund.

    The contribution, announced through his Alhaji Dr. Raheem Oladimeji Foundation (ADROEF), marks the largest individual pledge to the fund since its establishment.

    The donation will not only strengthen KwaraETF’s infrastructure to deliver on other priority initiatives across the state’s education sector but will also sponsor 10 of Kwara’s highest-scoring pupils in the 2025 National Common Entrance Examination.

    Each student will receive a full six-year scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, uniforms, feeding, and all essential learning materials.

    Oladimeji said his gesture reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering young people through education, stressing that no child should be denied quality schooling due to financial constraints. He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration for creating the Education Trust Fund, which he described as a visionary platform for improving learning outcomes in the state.

    Officials of the Kwara State Education Trust Fund praised the intervention, saying it demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in transforming education. They expressed optimism that the donation would inspire other well-meaning individuals and organisations to contribute toward the state’s goal of providing equitable and quality education for all.

  • Kwara Trains 1,325 Basic School Teachers on Foundational Literacy, Tech Skills

    Kwara Trains 1,325 Basic School Teachers on Foundational Literacy, Tech Skills

    …Programme targets early-grade literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving

    The Kwara State Government, through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and New Globe Educational Services, has commenced a three-day training programme for 1,325 teachers from public basic schools across the state.

    The exercise, which began on Monday and will end on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, focuses on two thematic areas — “Foundational Literacy Skills” and “Springs and Stride” — aimed at improving early-grade reading and fostering productivity in software development, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

    Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ilorin, SUBEB Chairman Prof. Shehu Raheem Adaramaja said the initiative was designed to strengthen teachers’ capacity for maximum impact on pupils and the wider education system.

    “The foundational literacy training is aimed at ensuring and sustaining yearly increases in the average literacy skills of early-grade pupils in government schools,” he said. “The Spring and Stride training, on the other hand, will focus on promoting productivity in software development, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.”

    According to him, the beneficiaries include 500 teachers from Primary One classes, another 500 from Primary Two, 250 from Early Child Care Development Education (ECCDE), and 75 from the Pre-Basic level.

    He outlined the training schedule across the state’s local government areas, with sessions holding from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Teachers from Ilorin West and East LGAs will be trained at Bishop Smith School from July 28–30; Asa, Moro, and Ifelodun at LGEA School, Idofian; Kaiama at Kaiama Central School (July 31–Aug. 2); Baruten at LGEA School, Baruten; and Edu and Patigi at Central School, Tsaragi. Others include Offa and Oyun at Offa Grammar School (Aug. 4–7); Isin and Irepodun at Muslim School, Oro (Aug. 4–6); and Oke-Ero and Ekiti at Osi Central School, Osi (Aug. 4–6).

    UBEC Deputy Director Mrs. Patient Abasi commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, human capital development, and teacher welfare.

    Mrs. Olaide Abel of New Globe Educational Services described the administration’s efforts as historic, noting that Kwara has become a reference point for educational development in Nigeria.

    The event was attended by SUBEB Permanent Member II, Mrs. Dorcas Ibikunle, and other board members.

  • Kwara Allocates N20bn Supplementary Budget for Massive School Upgrade

    Kwara Allocates N20bn Supplementary Budget for Massive School Upgrade

    … Education Commissioner Reveals Plan Targeting 1,254+ Classrooms, Labs

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved N20 billion in supplementary funding for comprehensive school infrastructure rehabilitation across the state. Education Commissioner Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe confirmed the allocation targets classroom construction, laboratory upgrades, and sanitation facilities in public schools.

    “This directive accelerates our unprecedented education overhaul,” stated Olohungbebe, noting designs are already underway. The investment builds on the administration’s renovation of over 1,254 classrooms since 2019 and successful resolution of UBEC funding bottlenecks inherited in 2020.

    The Commissioner emphasized this marks the first completion of SUBEB-UBEC projects stalled since 2014, calling it a signature achievement of Governor AbdulRazaq’s education agenda. “Despite transforming hundreds of learning spaces, infrastructure gaps persist. This N20bn injection systematically addresses those needs,” he explained.

    The funding will be distributed across urban and rural schools, complementing ongoing SUBEB interventions. Implementation begins immediately upon legislative approval of the supplementary budget.

  • Adeta Primary School Project Highlights Governor AbdulRazaq’s Education Drive

    Adeta Primary School Project Highlights Governor AbdulRazaq’s Education Drive

    …Modern multistorey KwaraLEARN school in Ilorin to set new standard for learning facilities

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, is pushing ahead with his plan to upgrade education across the state through modern infrastructure, recruitment of qualified teachers and regular payment of salaries.

    One of the key projects under this plan is the ongoing construction of a multistorey prototype KwaraLEARN school at Adeta Primary School in Ilorin. The project, which is being undertaken by the AbdulRazaq administration, is designed to provide pupils with a more conducive learning environment and modern educational tools.

    The new Adeta Primary School will have a headmaster’s office, a deputy headmaster’s office and a large administrative office. It will also include a sickbay to attend to emergencies and the welfare of pupils.

    The facility will accommodate 15 classrooms for pre-primary pupils, another 15 classrooms for lower primary classes from Primary 1 to 3, and 15 more classrooms for upper primary pupils from Primary 4 to 6.

    In addition to regular classrooms, the school will have two science laboratories to encourage practical learning, two large art rooms, two staff rooms and a large library. There will also be two ICT laboratories to ensure that children are exposed to digital literacy from an early stage. A generous outdoor play area will form part of the school design alongside adequate toilets and supporting facilities.

    According to the state government, the new school will be among the best of its kind in the North Central region and across the country when completed. It is part of the administration’s broader effort to give children in Kwara State better access to quality education and improved learning facilities.

  • Commissioner Applauds Governor AbdulRazaq’s Support for KWASU’s Growth

    Commissioner Applauds Governor AbdulRazaq’s Support for KWASU’s Growth

    …Says university is fast evolving into a model for innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education

    Kwara State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, has commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent support towards the development of tertiary education, particularly for the enabling environment that has spurred the rapid transformation of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

    The Commissioner gave the commendation on Tuesday during a working visit to the university. She was accompanied by the Director of Continuing Education in the Ministry, Elder Afolayan Joseph Babatunde, and was received by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaykh Luqman Jimoh, along with other members of the university’s management.

    The visit, according to the Commissioner, is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen collaboration with tertiary institutions in the state.

    While touring key facilities at the institution, Kawu noted significant infrastructural and academic improvements since her last visit. She said the progress reflects the Governor’s commitment to building a self-sustaining and progressive higher education system.

    “The face of this university has completely changed since my last visit, and it is clear that these developments are possible because of the environment created by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. KWASU is becoming a model of innovation, and I commend the management and staff for aligning with the Governor’s vision,” she said.

    The Commissioner visited the university’s Entrepreneurship Centre, where students learn practical skills in tailoring, printing, soap and cosmetics production. She also toured the bakery, water and block-making factories, recycling plant, and smart farm—all of which are operated within the institution.

    She praised the university’s commitment to entrepreneurship and pledged the state government’s continued support. She assured the management that the Governor remains willing to intervene in areas that need government attention, especially where student and staff welfare is concerned.

    On security, Kawu stressed the importance of a safe learning environment and promised government action to address land encroachment around the university.

    She also disclosed that the Ilesha Baruba campus of KWASU is set to be commissioned before the next academic calendar begins, with key infrastructure already in place.

    Earlier in his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaykh Luqman Jimoh thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for the administration’s steady support, which he said has enabled the university to grow in both student population and academic offerings.

    “KWASU is experiencing rapid growth, not just in student numbers but also in the range of academic programmes and infrastructure. We are doing our best to expand and improve our facilities to meet growing demand,” he said.

    He also appealed for government support to address land encroachment issues and enhance security around the university’s host community to protect students living off campus.

  • Kwara Makes History with First-Ever National School Debate Victory

    Kwara Makes History with First-Ever National School Debate Victory

    …Education Reforms Bear Fruit as Students Outshine Rivals

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State has claimed its maiden national title at the 2025 President’s Senior School Debate Competition, defeating contenders from across Nigeria in the 26th edition held in Abeokuta. The four-member team triumphed over Rivers State in the finals, marking a watershed moment for education in Kwara.

    Education Commissioner Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe welcomed the champions on Friday, crediting Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s education transformation agenda for the breakthrough. “This victory validates our investments in teacher welfare and curriculum enhancement,” he stated, praising the team’s coaches and supporting educators.

    The winning squad featured Moshood Kamaldeen (Government Secondary School, Ilorin), Aishat AbdulAzeez (Nawarudeen Secondary School, Offa), Mutasir AbdulAzeez (St. Anthony Secondary School), and Maryam Usman (Ilorin Grammar School), guided by teacher-coach Babatunde Amina Idowu.

    “This collective achievement belongs to every stakeholder advancing education in Kwara,” Olohungbebe remarked, urging the students to build on their success. The win comes three years after Kwara’s education sector overhaul began, demonstrating measurable academic excellence at national levels.

  • Kwara Reaffirms Staff Welfare Focus in Tertiary Education

    Kwara Reaffirms Staff Welfare Focus in Tertiary Education

    …Commissioner Vows Sustainable Development Amid Stakeholder Talks

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State Government has restated its commitment to staff welfare and sustainable growth across state-owned tertiary institutions. Tertiary Education Commissioner Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu delivered the assurance during a stakeholder meeting with leaders from Kwara’s Colleges of Education and union representatives in Ilorin.

    The session gathered Provosts, Registrars, and Bursars from Colleges of Education in Ilorin, Oro, Lafiagi, and the College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS). Also present were Office of Head of Service Permanent Secretary Dr. Olufunke Mercy Shittu, Kwara Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) officials, and ministry directors.

    “Governor AbdulRazaq prioritizes both infrastructure and the wellbeing of those managing these institutions,” Modibbo Kawu stated, urging stakeholders to foster unity and harmonious working relationships. She emphasized the administration’s dedication to peaceful academic environments alongside physical development.

    Dr. Shittu from the Head of Service office reinforced that worker welfare remains non-negotiable: “The Governor does not take this lightly.” She pledged to address union concerns raised during the meeting.

    Committee of Provosts Chairman Prof. Mukaila Aremu and academic union leader Comrade Salawu Omotayo applauded the Governor’s education investments, describing the approach as “people-centered and education-driven.”

    In parallel, the Commissioner held financial sustainability talks with college Bursars and KWIRS. Discussions focused on boosting internal revenue generation and enforcing prudent financial management. Modibbo Kawu stressed the need for financial discipline and innovative strategies, noting institutions must achieve greater self-sufficiency without compromising educational quality.

    The meetings concluded with commitments to implement joint solutions addressing operational challenges across Kwara’s tertiary education landscape.