By Stephen Adeleye.
Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to continue to prioritise quality education in the state.
Ododo gave the assurance when he paid an unscheduled visit to the GYB Model Science Secondary School (GYBSSS), Adankolo, Lokoja, on Tuesday.
The governor was received by the school Principal, Chief Ajofe Godwins, who conducted the visitor and his entourage round the school classes.
The governor, while addressing the students, said his unscheduled visit was to have a first hand assessment of the model science school and to know how the students were faring.
He thanked the students for the warm reception, and expressed his Administration’s determination to continue to make education the number one priority.
“By paying for your examinations, we are not doing you any favor; we are only doing what you elected us to do.
“All I ask of you is to be our good Ambassadors and pass your examinations well enough to be able to pursue your dreams.
“When you get to the higher institutions of learning, you will also benefit from our bursaries and other scholarships.
“My parents were not rich and I knew what I went through to have education. As your governor, I will make sure you do not go through that regardless of your social status.
“Our state is looking up to you to build a prosperous future and what we will get from you in the future depends on how we invest in your education. I will not fail you,” Ododo said.
The governor recounted how he could not have the opportunity to have a handshake with a former Governor, late Abubakar Audu when he visited his secondary school.
He, therefore, for that reason, had a handshake with all the students in the class, and they were so excited.
The school principal Ajofe Godwins, thanked the governor for the privilege and love for education generally.
“It is rare to find a state funding three full-fledged universities among other institutions,” he said.
The principal recalled that the former governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello who visited the school on Nov 28, 2016, lamented the condition, and promised to construct brand new model school.
He said the former governor graciously fulfilled his promise, and brought former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, to commission this iconic edifice on 29th December 2022.
“Your Excellency, we appreciate you for your envious tutelage and dint of character.
“We implore you to help us attend to some of the school’s requests already on your table as the chief driver of education in our state, Mr Wemi Jones, who has made his mark,” Godwins said.
The principal pledged to continue working assiduously for the governor’s dream in quality education to be realised given the support enjoyed from staff members so far.
A representative of the students, Medinat Isah, thanked the Governor for making it possible for children of the poor to have access to education.
“Your Excellency sir, your payment of examination fees for students has enabled children of the poor to have access to education.
“You have demonstrated commitment to the plights of the poor in Kogi State.
“You are paying for all the internal and external examinations as well as making education free in all public schools. You are indeed a great leader”, she said.
The students appealed to the governor to procure a school bus for them as well as make the school a boarding school by building hostels.
Responding to the students’ request, the governor promised to built hostels for the school as well provided buses for them.
The governor was accompanied by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Wemi Jones; Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo; and some top Government Officials.
