Kwara Rising

Category: Education

  • Kwara Partners NYSC to Launch Livestock Agribusiness Programme for Youths

    Kwara Partners NYSC to Launch Livestock Agribusiness Programme for Youths

    …Initiative to train and empower corps members, young agripreneurs in livestock value chain

    The Kwara State Government is set to launch a transformative livestock agribusiness programme targeting National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other young people across the state, in a bid to drive youth empowerment, rural development, and innovation in the livestock sector.

    This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, during a courtesy visit to the NYSC Orientation Camp at Yikpata, Tsaragi District in Edu Local Government Area over the weekend. Accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed, the Commissioner explained that the initiative will train, equip, and fund young livestock entrepreneurs.

    “Our goal is to turn job seekers into job creators,” Mrs. Thomas said. “This partnership with the NYSC allows us to deliver practical training in livestock production, business development, and access to finance within a supportive environment.”

    Scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, the programme will be implemented through a public-private partnership secured by the state government. Participants will undergo an intensive three-month training at the Yikpata camp, after which they will receive starter packs and support to launch or grow their agribusinesses.

    While corps members will be the primary beneficiaries during the orientation periods, the facility will also be made available to other youths during off-camp seasons.

    NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, expressed strong support for the initiative, assuring the state’s readiness to collaborate fully and urging the government to prioritize security around the camp.

    The Commissioner also paid a courtesy visit to the Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, to seek royal blessings and inform the traditional ruler about the planned youth empowerment programme.

    The Kwara Youth Livestock Empowerment Programme is positioned to become a flagship project under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration, further cementing the state’s commitment to agribusiness, innovation, and youth development.

  • Ilorin Aims for Global Tech Spotlight with Virtual Townhall Featuring Flutterwave Co-Founder

    Ilorin Aims for Global Tech Spotlight with Virtual Townhall Featuring Flutterwave Co-Founder

    … Iyin Aboyeji to Discuss Building Innovation Hub at Event Hosted by Ilorin Innovation Hub, Partners

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    Ilorin Innovation Hub, in collaboration with IHS Towers, CcHUB, and Future Africa, will host a virtual townhall on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, featuring tech entrepreneur Iyin Aboyeji, co-founder of Flutterwave and Future Africa. The session, themed “Building a Global Tech Hub from Ilorin,”aims to chart pathways for positioning Kwara State’s capital as a nucleus of innovation.

    Scheduled for 5:00 PM WAT, the event will explore strategies to leverage local talent, infrastructure, and partnerships to create a globally competitive tech ecosystem. Aboyeji, renowned for his role in Nigeria’s fintech revolution, is expected to share insights on scaling startups, attracting investments, and fostering cross-sector collaboration.

    “This townhall is a call to action for stakeholders to unite in transforming Ilorin into a beacon of technological excellence,” organizers stated. Registration is open via https://bit.ly/IIHTownhall.

  • Kwara Trains Over 5,500 Students in Coding, Digital Literacy Across State

    Kwara Trains Over 5,500 Students in Coding, Digital Literacy Across State


    …Gov AbdulRazaq’s Initiative Expands to Target 7,500 Youths, Boosts Tech Education in Public Schools

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State has onboarded 5,503 students in its Coding and Digital Literacy Program, marking a significant stride in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s agenda to position the state as a regional tech hub. Hon. Kayode Ishola, Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Innovations, disclosed this on Sunday, announcing the program’s expansion to 50 public secondary schools with a revised target of 7,500 students by 2025.

    Launched as a pilot in 2024 with 684 students across six schools, the initiative—now the largest state-led digital education program in Nigeria—equips youths with skills in coding, computational thinking, artificial intelligence, and digital literacy using existing school infrastructure. As of April 25, 2025, 73.4% of the target has been met, with participation across senatorial districts: Kwara North (1,222), Kwara South (2,186), and Kwara Central (2,095). Gender inclusivity remains a highlight, with 53.4% female (2,939) and 46.6% male (2,564) trainees.

    “The program will resume seamlessly on Monday, May 5, 2025, to deliver future-ready skills as schools begin their third term,” Ishola stated, emphasizing the administration’s focus on making public schools “competitive and desirable” in tech education. Participants will receive Certificates of Participation, while schools get commendations and prompt remuneration for their roles.

    The initiative, praised by groups like Women in Tech and KidsTech Africa, aligns with AbdulRazaq’s broader vision as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. Partnerships with the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology, further underscore its cross-sector impact.

    “This program is a testament to Kwara’s commitment to innovation and youth empowerment,” the statement added, noting its role in bridging the gap between public institutions and high-cost private tech training.

  • KWASRRA Registers Over 350,000 Residents, Makes SSID Mandatory for School Enrolment, Exams

    KWASRRA Registers Over 350,000 Residents, Makes SSID Mandatory for School Enrolment, Exams


    … Pensioners in diaspora to complete registration online as Kwara State deepens data-driven planning and social inclusion

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    The Kwara State Residents Registration Agency (KWASRRA) has announced that over 350,000 residents have so far been registered in the ongoing statewide data capture initiative, as the government intensifies efforts to build a credible database for improved security, planning, and access to services.

    Acting General Manager of KWASRRA, Mr. Tajudeen Jimoh, made this disclosure on Wednesday during the Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing for the first quarter of 2025, organized by the Ministry of Communications and held at the Ministry of Finance in Ilorin.

    He said the registration is part of the agency’s core mandate to generate a reliable and comprehensive database of all categories of residents for economic development, effective governance, and social inclusion.

    Mr. Jimoh stated that, in line with the directive of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the registration exercise is now mandatory for residents seeking access to key services, including school enrolment and public examinations.

    “Students registering for common entrance, junior and senior secondary school exams, and other public assessments must now provide their unique State Security Identification (SSID) numbers. The same goes for parents or guardians, and students admitted into state-owned tertiary institutions,” he said.

    The Agency is working closely with relevant Ministries such as Education, Tertiary Education, and Local Government and Community Development to drive compliance across the 16 local government areas.

    He further highlighted major achievements within the reporting period, including:

    ● Expansion of registration centres from 96 to 113 across the state;

    ● Recruitment of 200 additional ad-hoc registration staff, increasing the workforce to 500 agents;

    ● Continued distribution of SSID cards across MDAs;

    ● Strengthened public engagement and improved service delivery through the opening of a permanent consultant office in Ilorin.

    To support residents in the diaspora and hard-to-reach areas, Mr. Jimoh also announced plans to expand the agency’s online registration portal to include advanced biometric verification features such as liveness check and face match. This will allow eligible residents—especially pensioners outside the state or abroad—to complete the entire registration process online without the need for physical presence.

    “This is a major step to ensure no one is left behind. The effort aligns with our commitment to building an inclusive, secure, and data-informed Kwara,” he added.

    He urged residents to embrace the exercise, noting that the SSID will become a key requirement for accessing most government services moving forward.

  • Kwara Govt Launches Student Helpline to Promote Safe, Supportive Learning Environment

    Kwara Govt Launches Student Helpline to Promote Safe, Supportive Learning Environment

    …Initiative offers academic guidance and emotional support for students facing learning challenges

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    The Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development has launched a Student Learning Support Helpline to provide academic and emotional assistance to learners experiencing difficulties, as part of efforts to ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive educational environment.

    Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, said the initiative reflects Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to making education accessible and student-centered. “Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration prioritises an accessible, inclusive, and safe educational environment for all learners. The helpline is a key step towards ensuring that no student feels left behind,” he stated.

    The helpline is available through the phone number 07039448763 and email c2c@kwarastate.gov.ng, and is designed to offer personalized support for academic concerns such as difficulty in understanding study materials, concentration issues, and other learning-related challenges.

    The Ministry urged students to utilize the service, describing it as a vital resource to make learning a more positive, engaging, and empowering experience.

  • Kwara Education Commissioner Commends Teachers as Schools Resume Third Term

    Kwara Education Commissioner Commends Teachers as Schools Resume Third Term

    …Dr. Olohungbebe urges adherence to academic calendar, pledges smooth resumption under ongoing reforms

    The Kwara State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, has applauded teachers and education staff across the state as schools resume for the third term of the academic year.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, Dr. Olohungbebe described teachers as critical stakeholders in the state’s education sector and expressed gratitude for their dedication and selfless service. He encouraged continued support for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s education reforms, which aim to improve the quality of learning in Kwara.

    The Commissioner also announced the release of the approved academic calendar for both public and private schools, assuring that all necessary arrangements have been finalized to ensure a seamless start to the term.

    “We appreciate the commitment of our teachers, staff, and our partners, including proprietors of private schools, thus far. We are confident they will continue to give their best as we nurture our children for a brighter future,” the statement read.

    Dr. Olohungbebe further urged all teachers and school administrators to adhere strictly to the academic calendar and comply with all guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education to ensure a smooth and productive academic term.

  • College of Nursing, Oke-Ode, Matriculates First Set of Students, Commends Governor AbdulRazaq

    College of Nursing, Oke-Ode, Matriculates First Set of Students, Commends Governor AbdulRazaq

    …Commissioner applauds investment in education and healthcare, urges students to uphold professionalism

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State College of Nursing Sciences, Oke-Ode, located in Ifelodun Local Government Area, has matriculated its first set of students, marking a major milestone for the institution. At the event, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was lauded for his unwavering commitment to advancing education and healthcare across the state.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, praised the Governor for his transformational strides, particularly in the recruitment of healthcare personnel, provision of medical equipment, and support for tertiary institutions. She urged the new students to be fully committed to their studies, stressing that the lives of others would one day depend on their skills, integrity, professionalism, and compassion.

    Hajia Sa’adatu also expressed gratitude to parents and guardians for their support, while acknowledging the host community and traditional rulers for fostering a peaceful environment that has allowed the college to thrive.

    In his address, the Provost of the College, Alhaji Abdquadri Lanre, described the matriculation as historic and long overdue. He confirmed that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) had approved the National Diploma (ND) Nursing program, which has also been fully accredited by both the NMCN and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

    The Provost praised Governor AbdulRazaq as a “silent achiever” and “visionary leader,” noting that the administration’s focus on both infrastructure and human capacity has significantly improved healthcare delivery across Kwara State.

    Guest speaker, Professor Joel Afolayan from the Department of Nursing at the University of Ilorin, delivered a lecture titled “The Future of Nursing — Emerging Roles and Specializations,” which challenged the students to embrace the evolving landscape of the profession.

    Muhammad Aishat Talatu, the students’ set coordinator, encouraged her colleagues to approach their studies with the mindset of winners, emphasizing the principles of capacity, conformity, and commitment.

    Highlights of the ceremony included the symbolic capping and stripping of the matriculating students, a tour of the college’s facilities by the Commissioner, goodwill messages, and drama presentations.

    The event was attended by directors from the Ministry of Tertiary Education, academic and non-academic staff, parents, and well-wishers.

  • Kwara Govt Commissions Multi-Million Naira Projects in Ilorin South LGA

    Kwara Govt Commissions Multi-Million Naira Projects in Ilorin South LGA

    … Commissioner applauds community-focused interventions across key sectors

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    The Kwara State Government has commissioned a series of multi-million Naira projects in Ilorin South Local Government Area (LGA), reaffirming its commitment to grassroots development and improved quality of life for residents.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi Bata, lauded the Executive Chairman of Ilorin South, Hon. Nuhu Abdulmajeed, for his people-oriented approach and impactful project delivery.

    While expressing delight at the visible support of the benefiting communities, Hon. Bata noted that the projects cut across vital sectors including water supply, healthcare, education, and electrification.

    “I’m highly impressed by the thoughtful execution of these projects and the large turnout of community members to express their appreciation. This is what governance should look like,” he said.

    The Commissioner urged other local government councils to emulate the Ilorin South model, describing the synergy between the executive and legislative arms of the Council as commendable and essential for meaningful development.

    “There’s no offence in imitation, especially when it’s positive and beneficial to the people,” he added, while calling on the communities to take ownership of the projects and ensure their sustainability.

    In his remarks, Hon. Nuhu Abdulmajeed thanked the Commissioner for his visit and kind words, noting that the projects were delivered in line with the development vision of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the promises made during the electioneering period.

    “We are replicating the giant strides of Governor AbdulRazaq at the grassroots. More projects will come as funds become available, and we ask for patience from communities still waiting,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Iyabo Modupe Adekeye, commended the Chairman for aligning with the needs of the people and urged all Council professionals to continue adhering strictly to procurement regulations in project execution.

    Projects commissioned include:

    Drilling and installation of a motorized borehole at Olomoda Community

    Electrification and installation of 500KVA/33/415 KVA transformers at Adunbarin Community

    Reconstruction of the Primary Health Care Centre at Ajibesin Community

    Construction of four units of modern toilets at Tanke Market

    Borehole installation at Fate Community

    Complete renovation and furniture provision at GDJSS, Zango Eleboto School

    Renovation of two classrooms at Oke-Aluko Primary School

    Completion, metering, and energising of 100KVA/11/415 transformer at Olufadi Maternal Referral Centre

    Commissioning of the AGF AbdulRazaq Shopping Complex at Offa Garage

    The event was attended by community leaders, residents, council officials, and other stakeholders who expressed gratitude to the state government for the developmental strides in the area.

  • Eight Shortlisted Candidates Fail Drug Test in Kwara TESCOM Recruitment, Lose Slots

    Eight Shortlisted Candidates Fail Drug Test in Kwara TESCOM Recruitment, Lose Slots

    …disqualified applicants will be replaced by next-best candidates in a merit-based recruitment exercise backed by NDLEA and Governor AbdulRazaq

    At least eight applicants among the 1,800 shortlisted for the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) jobs have tested positive for banned substances, automatically disqualifying them from the ongoing recruitment process. This was revealed in a statement issued on Monday by TESCOM Chairman, Bello Taoheed Abubakar.

    According to the statement, the disqualified individuals tested positive for substances including benzodiazepine, tramadol, cotinine, marijuana, and amphetamine—all classified as dangerous drugs and considered harmful to human health.

    The drug test, conducted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with full support from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was a critical screening phase in the recruitment process.

    Abubakar emphasized that the disqualified candidates will be replaced by the next-best performing applicants from their respective local government areas, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to a fair, transparent, and merit-driven hiring process.

    “A major implication of this development is that the affected individuals will be replaced by the candidates who are next to them in performance from their respective local government areas,” the TESCOM chair said.

    He added that the zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse is a deliberate policy to ensure that only mentally and physically fit individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of shaping the future of Kwara’s children.

    “Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has again etched his name in gold for insisting that recruitment into the teaching profession must be strictly on merit. His leadership continues to prioritize quality education and integrity in governance,” the statement added.

  • Bamdo LOD and Flow 92.7 FM Launch Empowerment Giveaway for Unilorin Content Creators

    Bamdo LOD and Flow 92.7 FM Launch Empowerment Giveaway for Unilorin Content Creators

    …Creative students to win boxes of food ingredients in social media challenge

    In a vibrant effort to uplift young creatives and encourage entrepreneurship, Bamdo LOD Services, in partnership with Flow 92.7 FM, has launched a unique giveaway campaign tagged Empowering Content Creators.

    The initiative is specially designed for students of the University of Ilorin and rising content creators within the region.

    The campaign calls on participants to produce a short video highlighting Bamdo Lod’s brand and services, using a pre-written script that will be provided. These videos are to be posted on social media platforms where creativity, clarity, and engagement will be key to winning.

    The rewards are enticing: the best video, along with the first five entries to reach 300 likes, will each receive two boxes filled with essential food ingredients—completely free.

    The initiative is more than just a competition; it’s a creative challenge that blends digital storytelling with practical rewards that support student living.

    Flow 92.7 FM, a known promoter of grassroots innovation and youth-centered campaigns, is proudly sponsoring the project as part of its broader commitment to fostering local talent and driving positive impact through media partnerships.