The Federal Government has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his bold development strides in the education sector, particularly for surpassing national benchmarks with 30 percent budgetary allocation to education and sustaining a free education policy in Kogi State.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, gave the commendation at the commissioning of the ultra-modern GYB Model Science Secondary School in Nagazi, Adavi Local Government Area where he described the Governor’s efforts as exemplary and worthy of emulation.
Alausa noted that the commitment of Kogi State to the development of education reflects a clear understanding of the pivotal role of education as the bedrock of development, stressing that the state has not only met but exceeded recommended funding benchmarks for the sector.
He further praised the administration’s free education policy, describing it as a bold, people-centred initiative capable of easing the burden on families while addressing the challenge of out-of-school children.
The Minister also highlighted the state’s growing investments across critical sectors, including healthcare, security, and infrastructure, noting that the existence and effective funding of three universities by the state government underscores a deliberate focus on human capital development.
Governor Ododo, in his remarks, described the newly commissioned GYB Model Science Secondary School as a “monumental expression” of his administration’s resolve to raise a generation equipped with knowledge, skills, and character for leadership.
“The GYB Model Secondary School, Nagazi, stands as a monumental expression of our commitment to raising a generation equipped with knowledge, character, and the capacity to lead. This moment reflects a deliberate choice to build enduring value in the lives of our young people and in the progress of our dear state,” he said.
He reaffirmed that education remains the most strategic pathway to sustainable development, emphasizing that ongoing investments are designed not only to meet present needs but to secure the future of generations yet unborn.
According to the Governor, the establishment of the school reflects deliberate policies on improved funding, and a clear vision to place education at the centre of governance, adding that its location in Nagazi was carefully chosen to expand access to quality education at the grassroots.
Governor Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and reform agenda which he noted have been pivotal to ongoing development at the sub-national level through investments in critical sectors.
“Under his visionary leadership, Nigeria is witnessing a renewed focus on human capital development, educational reform, and strategic investment in the future of our nation. His administration has demonstrated courage, clarity, and commitment in laying the foundation for sustainable growth and national prosperity.
In Kogi State, we align strongly with this national vision. We draw inspiration from his leadership and remain committed to translating that vision into tangible outcomes for our people. I wish to respectfully commend Mr. President for his steadfast dedication to building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria. His leadership continues to drive confidence and direction across all levels of government,” he added.
He also acknowledged the foundation laid by former Governor Yahaya Bello, noting that his administration has built on existing achievements to deliver a world-class learning environment.
The Governor disclosed that over 700 schools are currently undergoing renovation under the AGILE project, alongside efforts to secure accreditations for tertiary institutions, particularly in medical education.
He urged students to take full advantage of the facility, while calling on the host community to safeguard the school’s as a shared asset.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, reiterated the government’s commitment to sustaining reforms in education as the state government continues to build learning facilities for the future.
The commissioning in Nagazi was followed by a similar milestone in Okebukun, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where another GYB Model Science Secondary School was delivered as part of the administration’s broader education transformation agenda.
The GYB Model Science Secondary Schools are seen as signature projects of the Kogi State government with at least one in each of the nine federal constituencies in the state all equipped with modern classrooms, Computer-Based Test Centres with over 250 computers, fully equipped science laboratories, examination halls, staff offices, water supply system, sanitation facilities, perimeter fencing, and standard football pitches— as a model institution for academic excellence in the state.
It will be recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the first GYB Model Science Secondary School Adankolo in the Lokoja-Koto Federal Constituency in December 2022.
The recent additions in Nagazi and Okebuku brings to three the number of such model schools commissioned in the state so far.
