By Ngozi Nwankwo
National Universities Commission, NUC, has approved the establishment of the Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin bringing the total number of state-owned Citadel of education in the state to two.
The first Kwara State owned University, located in Malete, was established in 2009.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the NUC, Chris Maiyaki, presented the “Letter of Recognition” to the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, represented by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, in Abuja, Nigeria.
Maiyaki emphasised that the institution would address the high demand for university education and enhance development. He noted that no country developed without a robust university system.
Maiyaki said “the new university would become the 64th state-owned university and the 274th university in Nigeria.
‘” I write on behalf of NUC, that with effect from Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Kwara State University of Education Ilorin is recognized as the 64th state-owned university and 274th University in Nigeria.
“The approval is consequent upon the receipt of your letter dated July 15, notifying NUC of the establishment of Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, ” he said.
The NUC Boss Maiyaki explained that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board,JAMB,Tertiary Education Trust Fund,TETfund,, and the National Youth Service Corps,NYSC, had been notified of the establishment of the University.
He commended the Governor for the foresight while reiterating that contrary to insinuations, Nigeria has less number of Universities compared to its population, urging capable individuals to pick more forms to massify the University System in the country.
The Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi said the new university is imperative as education is the foremost of all sectors in the state stressing that all all other sectors are subsidiaries of it.
He assured the NUC of adequate funding for the university as well as sustainability. to benefit Nigerian students.
“I guaranteed the smooth take-off as the enabling law has been passed by the State Assembly and assented to by the Governor, The academic brief which contains the curriculum for the school as well as the Master Plan are also in place,” he said.
The Minister of Youths, Jamila Ibrahim Bio said the new university in addition to others in the state is a testament that Kwara State is a citadel of learning.
She promised to do everything within her capacity for the University to be a record success.