The Kogi State Government has expressed its readiness to partner with private foundations and other stakeholders to improve access to quality education in the state.
The Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, stated this on Tuesday in Lokoja while representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo at the official launch of the Oba Samuel Sunday Tolorunshe Educational Foundation (OSSTEF).
The event, held at the Riverton Hotel, Lokoja, drew education stakeholders, community leaders and well-wishers.
Jones commended the Chairman of the Foundation, Barr. Joseph Tolorunshe, for establishing OSSTEF, describing it as a timely intervention that aligns with the government’s vision for educational transformation.
He assured the gathering that the present administration remains open to collaborations that complement its efforts to expand learning opportunities for children and youth.
The Commissioner also used the occasion to highlight the achievements of the Ododo administration in the education sector. These include the free education policy, payment of WAEC, NECO and JAMB fees, investment in science and technology education, digital learning, and technical and vocational education.
He noted that Governor Ododo’s Education Transformation Agenda is focused on building a system “where no child is excluded and no talent is wasted.”
Delivering the keynote address titled “Transforming Educational Access and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria: Strategic Solutions for Kogi State,” Jones said education must go beyond enrolment to provide the quality, skills and innovation required in a modern workplace driven by technology and Artificial Intelligence.
“Government cannot do this alone. Transforming education requires partnership between government, families, communities, teachers, private sector and foundations. That is why OSSTEF is significant,” he said.
The highpoint of the launch was the conferment of the Award of Excellence on Governor Ododo for his contributions to education development in Kogi State, and on Hon. Wemi Jones for his commitment to advancing education in the state.
