Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has promised to continue to make education a priority in Kogi state.
Ododo made the promise when he paid an unscheduled visit to the GYB Model Science Secondary School, Adankolo, Lokoja on Tuesday to have a first hand assessment of how the students are faring.
Interacting with the students, Governor said “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”.
Accompanied by some top government officials, the Governor arrived at the school unannounced. He was received by the Principal of the school and conducted round the classes in the school.
A representative of the students, Zainab thanked the Governor for making it possible for children of the poor to have access to education.
She said, “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.
The Governor remembered how he couldn’t have the opportunity to have a handshake with a former Governor of the state, the late Prince Abubakar Audu when he visited his secondary school, saying for that reason, he was going to have a handshake with all the students in the class. The students were excited.
In his remarks, the Governor thanked the students for the wonderful reception, expressing the determination of his administration to continue to make education the number one priority of his administration.
His words, “By paying for your examinations, we are not doing you any favors. 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.”
Governor Ododo also assured the students that hostels will be built for them and that he will procure a school bus for them.
