Kwara Rising

Category: Education

  • 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

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    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.

  • Kwara Sets Up Committee to Curb Student Loitering, Teacher Lateness

    Kwara Sets Up Committee to Curb Student Loitering, Teacher Lateness

    …Education Commissioner Demands Discipline Revamp in Public Schools

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    Kwara State Government has inaugurated a high-level committee to tackle student loitering during school hours and teacher absenteeism/lateness. Education Commissioner Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe launched the body at the Ministry headquarters in Ilorin, charging members to “restore discipline and sanity” in public schools.

    “The objectives are clear: eliminate student loitering and improve teacher punctuality,” Olohungbebe stated. He urged members to avoid power struggles, work as a team, and act with accountability before God. The initiative aligns with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s education revamp agenda.

    Teaching Service Commission Chairman Mallam Tahueed Bello and SUBEB head Professor Sheu Adaramaja pledged full institutional support. Both emphasized the committee’s role in achieving the Governor’s vision to “transform the child of nobody into somebody.”

    Senior officials witnessing the inauguration included Ministry Permanent Secretary Mrs. Olanrewaju Rebecca Bake, TESCOM Permanent Member III Chief (Mrs) Bosede Daniel, SUBEB Permanent Members Hon. Dorcas Opeyemi and Hajia Habitat Muasu, and directors from all three agencies.

    The committee will design enforcement mechanisms and monitoring frameworks across Kwara’s public schools immediately.

  • Kwara State University of Education Lists JAMB-Approved Courses for 2024/2025 Academic Session

    Kwara State University of Education Lists JAMB-Approved Courses for 2024/2025 Academic Session

    …Newly Established Institution Opens Admissions Through Change of Institution Process

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    The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) has officially listed seventeen accredited courses for the 2024/2025 academic session at Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED). Established by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the institution offers specialized programs including Business Education, Entrepreneurship, and Education and Technology. Other available courses span various disciplines such as Education Management, Guidance and Counseling, Sustainable Development, and Home Economics and Education.

    Prospective students interested in science education can apply for Education and Physics, Education and Biology, Education and Chemistry, or Education and Computer Science. The university also offers Creative Arts Education, Education and English Language, Education and Yoruba, Education and History, and Electrical/Electronics Education.

    KWASUED is currently accepting applications for both the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic sessions. Eligible candidates are advised to utilize the JAMB change of institution service at any accredited CBT center to select KWASUED as their first choice institution. The university emphasizes that this step is mandatory for admission consideration.

    For further inquiries, candidates may contact the Director of Admissions through their institution’s Desk Officer or via the CAPS mail system. This development represents a significant milestone in Kwara State’s educational landscape, providing specialized teacher training opportunities aligned with current educational needs.

    Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede, the JAMB Registrar, confirmed the institution’s readiness to welcome its pioneer students. The establishment of KWASUED underscores the state government’s commitment to expanding access to quality teacher education in Nigeria.

  • Kwara Launches Free Online Registration for 2025 Junior Secondary Placement

    Kwara Launches Free Online Registration for 2025 Junior Secondary Placement

    …State-Sponsored Portal Opens June 11 for Common Entrance Exam

    Kwara State has begun online registration for the 2025 Common Entrance Examination into public junior secondary schools. The fully government-sponsored exercise runs from June 11 to June 23 through the official portal: https://placement.kwarastate.gov.ng.

    Education Ministry officials confirmed all registration and examination fees are fully covered by the state government, reinforcing its free education policy. Prospective pupils must register exclusively through their current primary schools, with private institutions required to obtain Quality Assurance Bureau clearance first.

    Head teachers of public primary schools are undergoing mandatory training to ensure smooth implementation. The Ministry warned against any illegal charges to parents, stating violators will face disciplinary action under public service regulations.

    While the examination date will be announced later, parents and school administrators are urged to complete registrations before the June 23 deadline. Support is available via SMS/WhatsApp (07068977077) or email (c2c@kwarastate.gov.ng).

    This initiative advances Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to accessible education across Kwara.

  • Kwara Governor Commended for Transforming Tertiary Education, Clearing Salary Arrears and Reviving Institutions

    Kwara Governor Commended for Transforming Tertiary Education, Clearing Salary Arrears and Reviving Institutions

    …Commissioner Hails AbdulRazaq’s Commitment as NCCE Concludes Accreditation Visit to Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has been widely commended for his bold reforms and sustained investments in the education sector, particularly in revitalizing the state’s tertiary institutions.

    The accolades were led by the State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, during a debriefing session with the accreditation team from the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), who visited the Kwara State College of Education (KWCOED), Ilorin, for the 2025 accreditation exercise of the National Certificate in Education (NCE) programme.

    Describing the exercise as a major milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to reposition higher education in the state, the Commissioner praised Governor AbdulRazaq for rescuing the sector from near collapse. She revealed that the current administration had inherited a system plagued by neglect, including a seven-month salary backlog and several unaccredited programmes.

    “Governor AbdulRazaq not only cleared the backlog but also paid over one billion naira owed to staff by the previous administration,” Hajia Modibbo Kawu stated. “The rot we met was unimaginable. What the Governor has done in a few years shows strong leadership and a sincere passion for the development of education. He is truly a listening and responsible leader.”

    The Commissioner also commended the NCCE team for their professional and thorough assessment of the college, adding that their work gives hope to the future of the country. “You didn’t just point out our strengths but also gave a constructive and honest review of our challenges. It’s a reminder that integrity and professionalism still thrive in Nigeria,” she said.

    She disclosed that a special task team was inaugurated in December to address key institutional challenges and that many of its recommendations are already being implemented.

    Also speaking, the Acting Provost of the College, Dr. Ayinde Shehu Jawondo, expressed gratitude to the Governor for rescuing the institution from total collapse. “We were at the brink, but His Excellency’s intervention changed everything. If you had come earlier, it would have been a tragic picture,” he told the visiting team.

    The Head of the NCCE accreditation team, Mrs. Chibuzor Ekuwonye, commended the college’s technical strength but clarified that their report remains provisional until the NCCE management gives final approval. She advised the college leadership to work on addressing areas of concern, especially in enhancing the learning environment.

    A team member, Dr. Otuniyi, explained that their review covered both Institutional and Programme Accreditation, including leadership quality, administrative efficiency, and student support services. He emphasized the need for urgent improvements in the Directorate of Quality Assurance.

    In his closing remarks, Dr. Ben Udoh, another member of the team, thanked the Kwara State Government for its investments in the institution and praised the college’s management for their hospitality and openness during the visit.

  • Children Deserve the Best Start in Life — Gov AbdulRazaq Reaffirms Commitment to Kwara Children

    Children Deserve the Best Start in Life — Gov AbdulRazaq Reaffirms Commitment to Kwara Children

    … promise to invest in education, healthcare, and protection for every Kwara child

    As Nigeria commemorates Children’s Day 2025, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to policies and investments that give the Kwara child a strong head start in life.

    In a message issued to mark the occasion, the Governor said his administration remains focused on creating a future where every child in the state can live and prosper in dignity.

    “Every child deserves to live and prosper in dignity, and this depends on all of us that they look up to,” the Governor said. “As a government, we continue to invest in quality basic education and basic healthcare, while implementing policies that make the world a better place for them.”

    The Governor cited ongoing reforms and initiatives including KwaraLEARN, the Education Trust Fund, the state’s anti-hawking stance, six-month paid maternity leave, child protection laws, and improved access to maternal and child healthcare services as practical demonstrations of his administration’s commitment.

    Aligning with the 2025 Children’s Day theme, “Stand up, speak up: building a bullying-free generation,” Governor AbdulRazaq noted that the administration has equipped schools and communities with tools to protect children from harm. He highlighted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and direct engagement mechanisms that allow school children to escalate their concerns to the highest levels of educational oversight in the state.

    “Our premium KwaraLEARN gives us an unfettered access to classrooms in every corner of the state. Similarly, we have since enacted the Violence Against Persons Law to protect every Kwaran, including children, from any form of violence,” he added.

    Governor AbdulRazaq also celebrated recent policy outcomes that have placed Kwara among the best-performing states in both education and health indices, including having the lowest under-five mortality rate nationwide.

    “As our multi-pronged approaches to children’s welfare show,” the Governor said, “I invite all stakeholders to do their bit in ensuring that the Kwara child thrives.”

  • Kwara Government Sponsors Kwara Kre8 to Empower Young Creatives

    Kwara Government Sponsors Kwara Kre8 to Empower Young Creatives


    … Governor AbdulRazaq backs digital storytellers and content creators through partnership with Kwara Kre8 initiative

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    The Kwara State Government has announced its sponsorship of the Kwara Kre8 initiative, an emerging platform aimed at supporting photographers, filmmakers, social media influencers, and digital creatives across the state. The collaboration, led by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, underscores the administration’s continued support for youth-driven innovation and cultural expression.

    Kwara Kre8 made the announcement through its Creative Lead, Adebisi Oyelere, who acknowledged the Governor’s support as a major boost for the creative community. He said the initiative will help young creatives build their skills, gain industry exposure, and connect with mentors who can guide them on their career journey.

    Participants in the Kwara Kre8 workshop will receive training in areas such as content development, digital marketing, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. The event also promises to provide networking opportunities with established professionals and showcase the work of emerging talents to a wider audience.

    Keynote speakers for the event include the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq, Special Assistant to the President on Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Ayo Adeagbo, and Special Assistant to the President on Capacity Development, Sadiq Rabiu.

    The Kwara Kre8 team expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for supporting the programme. They noted that the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and its willingness to invest in platforms that promote innovation and economic inclusion.