Gov AbdulRazaq inaugurates governing council for KWASUED
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq inaugurated the Governing Council of the Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED) on Saturday, paving the way for the institution’s official takeoff.
The 11-member council, chaired by Prof. Shuaib Oba AbdulRaheem (OFR), includes Mrs. Opaleke Bukola Iyabo, Hajia Risikat Lawal, Rotimi Samuel Olujide, Prof. Umar Gunu, Engr. Saad Belgore, Mr. Femi Aina, Omowumi Amuda, Hajia Kubra Kazum, Prof. Ibrahim Abdukadir Abikan, and Pastor Afolayan Joseph Babatunde, representing the Ministry of Tertiary Education.
Addressing the council, led by Prof. AbdulRaheem, Governor AbdulRazaq described the inauguration as a milestone in KWASUED’s development, an initiative he said aims to position Kwara and its people for a sustainable future in education.
“This university is a child of necessity, created to provide Kwara with a future in education and related disciplines,” he said. “It is designed to succeed the College of Education in Ilorin and serve as a model for restructuring other colleges in line with new realities.”
Expressing confidence in the council, the Governor urged members to uphold high standards, avoid unsustainable employment practices, and maintain strict guidelines on competence and inclusion.
“This institution must not become another financial burden on the government’s limited resources,” he said. “I trust you to establish KWASUED as a center of excellence, research, and academic discipline.”
Governor AbdulRazaq also announced the appointment of the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu, as Chancellor of the university.
The inauguration was attended by prominent state figures, including APC State Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi, Deputy Chief of Staff Princess Bukola Babalola, Commissioner for Tertiary Education Dr. Mary Arinde, Senior Adviser and Counselor Sa’adu Salau, Special Adviser on Special Duties Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah, Senior Special Assistant on Religion (Islam) Ibrahim Danmaigoro, and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tertiary Education Barrister Sabitiyu Kikelomo Grillo.
Dr. Arinde commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his visionary leadership in establishing KWASUED, describing the institution as a pivotal development for the state’s educational landscape. She praised the Governor’s commitment to education, saying, “This event marks a significant milestone in advancing the vision and mission of this university and in shaping the future of education in Kwara.”
Prof. AbdulRaheem also expressed gratitude for the Governor’s dedication to education. “Education is the bedrock of any society,” he said, noting the Governor’s commitment to high-quality education at all levels. “The Governing Council will work diligently to fulfill the Governor’s dream of building a university of education that will stand tall within and beyond Nigeria.”
Prof. AbdulRaheem emphasized the importance of Governor AbdulRazaq’s support. “Committing to funding quality education is a rewarding endeavor, and your commitment is evident. This council is a testament to your integrity,” he said, also applauding the Governor’s dedication to gender balance in council appointments.
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRazaq presented new buses to two student organizations in the state—the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Kwara State chapter, and the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS).
NANS representative Issa Abdulgafar Arikewuyo and NAKSS representative Abdulwahab Ridwan thanked the Governor for his ongoing support and student-friendly initiatives, with Arikewuyo noting, “Nigerian students in Kwara are thrilled with the positive developments and deeply appreciate the Governor’s donation of these new buses.”
