Concerned stakeholders and citizens of Kogi Central senatorial district have called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to prioritize the rehabilitation and modernization of two legacy schools in the area – Okene Secondary School (OSS) and Okene Teachers College (OTC).
In a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting in Okene, the stakeholders commended the Governor for his early strides in governance, particularly his visible commitment to improving education across the state.
They noted that Okene Secondary School, established in 1944 and Okene Teachers College, established in 1974, are historic institutions in Kogi Central senatorial district, but decried the current state of these schools.
“These two institutions, situated within the same vicinity at Checkpoint, Okene, stand among the earliest and most prestigious educational establishments in Kogi State. Alongside AbdulAziz Atta Memorial College (AAAMCO), they have produced exceptional scholars, professionals, and public servants who have made invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s development.
“However, their current state is deeply concerning. Classrooms, staff quarters, hostels, and sports facilities are in a deplorable condition due to decades of neglect. While previous administrations made partial interventions under the free education policy, the infrastructural decay today demands urgent and comprehensive rehabilitation,” stated the communiqué signed by Comrade AbdulLateef Obaro, the Chairman, SBMC, OSS Okene.
The stakeholder meeting was graced by Alh. Ibori, Central Chairman, Checkpoint Community; Alh. Adava, Ward Head, Checkpoint; traditional rulers; members of the Board of Governing Council OSS, led by Engr. Yisah Yakubu Adajah, representatives of OSSOSA, led by Hon. Yekini Okino, the school management team, youth and women leaders.
All present were united in one resolve, to restore the lost glory of these landmark institutions.
The stakeholders appealed to Governor Ododo to undertake an on-the-spot visit to OSS and OTC to personally assess the condition of the facilities, prioritize the rehabilitation and modernization of these institutions within the first term of his administration.
they also urged the Governor to establish a special intervention fund or strategic public–private partnership to restore OSS (with its 32 classrooms, 23 staff quarters, 4 hostels, and 2 football pitches) into a model school befitting its historic prestige.
“Your Excellency, while we acknowledge and commend the establishment of two state universities by your predecessor—one in Kogi Central and another in Kogi West—we humbly submit that no tertiary education system can thrive without a strong foundation in primary and secondary education. A revitalized OSS and OTC will serve as a bedrock for producing the future leaders our state deserves.
“This communiqué reflects a united voice of hope, trust, and expectation. We are confident that, under your leadership, these schools will once again become symbols of excellence in Kogi State’s educational landscape.
“May the Almighty grant you the wisdom, courage, and strength to fulfil this noble vision and to leave behind a lasting legacy of inclusive and sustainable development.”
