Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has assured that the state government will strengthen security, infrastructure and institutional support for the Federal University Lokoja, promising immediate action on key challenges faced by the institution, including campus security, perimeter fencing, road safety and land documentation.
Governor Ododo gave the assurance while receiving the management of the University, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gbenga Solomon, on a courtesy visit at the Government House in Lokoja.
The Governor congratulated Professor Ibileye on his appointment as the fourth Vice-Chancellor of the institution and commended the university management for its commitment to advancing higher education in the state.
He assured the delegation that his administration would continue to prioritise the security of lives and property within and around the university, noting that measures already put in place across the state have significantly improved public safety.
Governor Ododo disclosed that work would soon commence on the perimeter fencing of the university, while efforts are also underway to secure the Certificate of Occupancy for the university land.
He commended the host communities for their patience, understanding and continued support, assuring that all legitimate concerns, including compensation of original land owners, would be addressed fairly and transparently.
To address the recurring road accidents affecting members of the university community, the Governor said the construction of a pedestrian bridge at the university main gate, as well as a bypass along the Agbaja axis, remained key priorities by the government in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
He recalled his administration’s investment in security through the deployment of vigilantes, local hunters, trained forest guards and other security agencies to safeguard lives and property across the state, including students and staff of tertiary institutions in the state.
The Governor also said the official Kogi State Anthem created by the university would receive renewed attention to ensure it gains the prominence and acceptance it deserves across the state.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Solomon Ibileye said the visit was to formally introduce himself as the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution and to deepen the partnership between the university and the Kogi State Government.
He noted that no university could thrive in isolation from its host community , and therefore called for stronger collaboration with the state government.
He commended Governor Ododo’s achievements in education, infrastructure and human capital development, describing them as critical to the progress of the state.
He appealed to the Governor to intervene in several priority areas affecting the institution, including the construction of a perimeter fence, issuance of the university land, compensation for host communities, improved road safety, transportation infrastructure with the construction of the Agbaja bypass and a pedestrian bridge at the university main gate, enhanced campus security, renewed promotion of the Kogi State Anthem, among others which he said informed their visit to the Governor.
