The recent initiative by the Kogi State Ministry of Education to organize Computer-Based Test (CBT) training for students preparing for WAEC has unintentionally exposed a painful truth, particularly about the state of leadership in Adavi Local Government Area and Kogi Central at large.
It is both alarming and disappointing that in the entire Adavi Local Government, there is not a single functional CBT centre. As a result, all schools within the LGA were forced to send their students to either Okene or Okehi for CBT training. This is not just inconvenient—it is a clear indication of neglect and a lack of strategic planning for the future of our children.
What exactly are our leaders doing?
While some leaders across the state are demonstrating vision and commitment, many of our own representatives in Kogi Central appear disconnected from the educational needs of their people. Development is not measured by the number of hotels, filling stations, or personal mansions built, it is measured by investment in human capital, especially education.
Take for instance Hon. Leke Abejide, whose efforts in supporting education have become a shining example. His intervention in paying WAEC and JAMB fees for private candidates particularly those who could not benefit from the state government’s free education scheme—is nothing short of commendable. Such leadership inspires hope and confidence. One cannot help but imagine the transformation Kogi State would experience under such visionary governance.
Similarly, Senator Karimi deserves recognition for facilitating the establishment of additional CBT centres in Lokoja, Iyara, Odo-Ere, and Mopa. These are practical steps toward bridging the digital and educational gap in our state.
But here in Kogi Central, what do we see?
A troubling absence of commitment. Adavi Local Government, for instance, does not boast of a single functional public library. Our educational infrastructure is in decline, yet many of our elites prefer to send their children outside Ebiraland for quality education. Why abandon the system instead of fixing it?
We have notable institutions like Government Girls Unity College and Okene Secondary School (OSS), which once served as both day and boarding schools with strong reputations. Today, these schools need revitalization, not neglect.
Even more concerning is the absence of federal educational institutions in Kogi Central. While Kogi East has Federal Government College, Ogallawo and Federal Government Technical College, Ogugu, and Kogi West has Federal Government Girls College, Kabba, Kogi Central has none. This imbalance raises serious questions about advocacy and representation.
Ironically, smaller communities like Ogori-Magongo have outperformed larger regions like Ebiraland in producing highly distinguished professionals, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN). The reason is simple they prioritize education and invest in it deliberately.
History reminds us that purposeful leadership is possible. Hon. Abdulrahman Badamasi, during his tenure as Local Government Chairman, built three science schools in Ozowuri, Enyidudu, and Nagazi Eba. Today, those schools rank among the top secondary schools in Adavi. That is the legacy of a development-driven leader.
So, the question remains: what is stopping today’s leaders?
If individual politicians can build private wealth, why can’t they collectively invest in something as critical as a CBT centre? Must everything be left to government alone?
The time has come for a shift in priorities. Kogi Central leaders both elected and non-elected must rise above personal interests and embrace collective responsibility. The future of our children, and indeed our region, depends on the decisions we make today.
History will not remember excuses. It will remember impact.
– Comrade Adabara A. Adabara
Convener, Education Task Force Movement
