By Muslimat Itopa
The National President of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), Comrade Sunday Adeola Simon, has described the two-year administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo as progressive and promising, particularly in areas impacting students and youths across the state.
Speaking in an interview, Comrade Simon commended the governor’s commitment to education, noting significant improvements in bursary and scholarship programmes.
He revealed that about 8,000 students benefited from bursaries in the governor’s first year in office, noting that the government has now approved an increase to over 20,000 beneficiaries, with disbursement expected soon.
According to him, the expansion reflects the administration’s recognition of education as a vital investment in human capital.
The NAKOSS President also highlighted the introduction of regular subventions to student bodies, describing it as unprecedented in Nigeria noting that that organizations such as the National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Council, NAKOSS, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, and other ethnic-based student associations in Kogi State now receive financial support to run their activities effectively.
In addition, Comrade Simon noted that the state government recently sponsored about 15 students to China for further studies, while also providing comprehensive healthcare coverage for students in state-owned institutions through the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme.
He said the initiative ensures that students receive medical attention, including major treatments, without financial burden.
On inclusiveness, he explained that Kogi students studying outside the state are not left out, as they also benefited from bursaries and scholarships through a digital application process coordinated with institutions and student leaders for proper verification and transparency.
The NAKOSS President praised the government’s youth empowerment drive, citing skill acquisition programmes carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian-Korea Friendship Institute.
He said beneficiaries were trained and provided with starter packs, enabling many students to become self-reliant, with an estimated 75 to 80 percent now engaged in productive ventures such as graphics design and catering.
The students leader described the relationship between the state government and student bodies as cordial and functional, noting that several youth-focused offices are currently occupied by young leaders who understand students’ needs and advocate effectively on their behalf.
Despite the achievements,
Comrade Simon pointed out areas requiring improvement, including delays in bursary disbursement, the need to expand support to postgraduate and international students, and addressing infrastructural challenges in educational institutions.
He expressed optimism that as the administration progresses, greater investment in education, improved student support systems, expanded job opportunities, and stronger collaboration with student leadership would further enhance the welfare of Kogi State students
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