By Muslimat Itopa
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed that no nation can attain meaningful development without investing in quality education, calling on state governors across Nigeria to prioritise adequate funding of the sector.
Dr. Alausa made the statement on Monday during the Inauguration of the GYB Model Science Secondary School in Nagazi community, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to education reform and prudent utilisation of state resources, noting that such investments are critical to national growth.
The minister noted that the Federal Ministry of Education is currently implementing wide-ranging reforms focused on strengthening technical education and promoting girl-child education.
According to him, more than 160,000 youths are undergoing skills acquisition training in over 1,200 centres nationwide, as part of efforts to equip young Nigerians with practical competencies for the evolving labour market.
Addressing students, Dr. Alausa urged them to remain focused and take advantage of the opportunities provided, assuring that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to delivering quality education alongside relevant skills for a better future.
He also charged teachers and school administrators to uphold high standards in shaping the character and intellect of students, whom he described as future leaders.
In his remarks, Governor Ododo said the establishment of the model school reflects his administration’s deliberate investment in building a knowledgeable, skilled and value-driven generation.
He emphasised that education remains the bedrock of sustainable development and reiterated the state government’s determination to position Kogi as a knowledge hub.
The governor explained that the project is part of the state’s Mega School initiative, designed to expand access to quality education through the provision of modern facilities across strategic locations.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of promoting human capital development.
Governor Ododo attributed the successful execution of such projects to increased revenue accruing to states following recent economic reforms, adding that funds previously lost to inefficiencies are now being redirected into critical sectors such as education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, revealed that successive administrations under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State have consistently allocated about 30 per cent of the state’s resources to education over the past decade.
He added that the Ododo administration is leveraging education as a strategic tool to combat poverty and insecurity.
In his goodwill message, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed-Tijani Anaje, described the project as a forward-looking investment that will benefit generations, stressing that education remains the foundation of every progressive society.
In a related development, Governor Ododo also inaugurated the GYB Model Science Secondary School at Okebukun reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equitable access to quality education across urban and rural communities.
He described the project as a “door to possibility,” noting that the future of Kogi State will be shaped in classrooms where young minds are nurtured, challenged and inspired.
The governor emphasised that the standard of education in rural communities must match that of urban centres, stressing that every child deserves equal opportunity regardless of location.
He highlighted key features of the school to include modern classrooms, a well-equipped library, science and ICT laboratories, and a 200-capacity Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre designed to prepare students for a technology-driven world.
He added that the school also provides a safe learning environment, water and sanitation facilities, and spaces for physical development.
Governor Ododo said beyond infrastructure, his administration is focused on raising a generation capable of critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership, with strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Earlier, Commissioner for Education Wemi Jones noted that the Okebukun school project was initiated following the dilapidated state of the previous facility, adding that the government’s education master plan, backed by legislation and adequate funding, has made such interventions possible.
He reiterated that Kogi remains one of the few states committing up to 30 per cent of its budget to education, stressing that the government is determined to use education as a tool to reduce poverty and drive development across the state.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings