The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has officially inaugurated the members of the state Education Trust Fund Board. According to him, the board will play a crucial role in advancing the educational landscape in the state.
During the inauguration in Ilorin, the state capital, Governor AbdulRazaq remarked, “The inauguration of the Kwara State Education Trust Fund Board today is another strategic step towards providing the right environment for excellent learning outcomes for the Kwara child and to enable sustainable development in our state,”.
The event was attended by members of the state parliament and executive council, including the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Education, Baba Boriya; Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Prof Mamman Saba Jibril; Chief of Staff, Prince Abdulkadir Mahe; Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu; Commissioner for Tertiary Education Dr Mary Arinde; Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon John Bello; and Senior Advisor and Counselor Sa’adu Salau.
Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted the significance of the inauguration, emphasizing the achievements of the administration in the sector, such as school renewal projects and investments in teacher training.
Prioritizing Education
The Governor reiterated the urgency of investing in education, stating, “A few months ago at an education event on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, I said that investing in education is the urgency of now. This notion has been the main driver of the many reforms we have carried out in the education sector”.
He added, “Today, our teachers are reporting rapid improvements among their students. This growth is not only reported internally. Recently, Kwara passed the appraisal and was included in the World Bank’s Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment programme. Our young girls are set to enjoy the benefits of Kwara AGILE”.
Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized the need for strong oversight, strategic direction, and resources to ensure lasting improvements in learning outcomes in public schools across the state. He stated that the newly inaugurated Kwara State Education Trust Fund Board, a critical component of the Kwara State Education Transformation Agenda (KWETA), would mobilize resources to support infrastructure development and growth in the education sector.
He expressed confidence in the board’s capabilities, highlighting the distinguished pedigrees of the chairman, secretary, and every member. He affirmed that the board would play a pivotal role in solidifying educational transformation in Kwara State.
The state Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Kawu, echoed the Governor’s sentiments, asserting that the inauguration of the Board would complement the administration’s investment in the education sector. She lauded the Board for its private sector-driven approach and expressed excitement about the appointed Chairman and esteemed members.
The members of the Board include Malam Abdulhakeem Uthman Mustapha (SAN) as chairman; Oluwadamilola Fatimah Amolegbe as Executive Secretary; Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Mohammed Kudu-Kawu; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs Kemi Mary Adeosun; Professor Deborah Adekeye; and renowned tech giant Iyinoluwa Aboyeji.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Trust Board, Mustapha (SAN), commended the Governor for entrusting them with such a vital role. He commended the administration for its substantial investments in the education sector, acknowledging the long-term impact of these efforts.
Mustapha expressed optimism about mobilizing N10 billion from different stakeholders, especially private sector players and philanthropists, to bolster education infrastructure across Kwara State. The government, on the other hand, pledged a N100 million seed fund to support the board as it commences its mandate.
