Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, highlighted ongoing federal government reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the Student Loan Scheme (NELFund), which he said has benefitted over one million students with disbursements exceeding N1.1 billion.
The Minister made this known during inauguration of two newly constructed GYB Model Science Secondary Schools located in Nagazi, Adavi Local Government Area, and Okebukun in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.
He added that more than 160,000 youths have been trained in digital skills nationwide.
Alausa emphasized the Federal Government’s renewed focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as technical and vocational education and digital innovation.
Describing the projects as a reflection of visionary leadership, the minister said the schools represent a strategic investment in the future of young people and a major step toward transforming the state’s educational landscape.
He lauded key initiatives of the Ododo administration, including the implementation of free education policies, payment of external examination fees, and the establishment of three fully accredited universities.
Alausa further praised Kogi State for consistently allocating over 30 percent of its annual budget to education, surpassing UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 26 percent.
He commended Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, for his bold commitment to repositioning the education sector.
“Your Excellency, I commend your visionary leadership and commitment to repositioning education as a central pillar of development,” he said.
“Today’s event has given me the opportunity to witness a remarkable transformation. The GYB Model Science Secondary School is not just a school, but a symbol of hope and a deliberate investment in the future of our youth.
“I am particularly impressed by the strategic establishment of these Mega Model Science Schools across the three senatorial districts, which promotes inclusivity, equity, and access to quality education. Kogi State is setting a shining example.”
He urged students to take advantage of the opportunities available, assuring them of the Federal Government’s continued support.
Earlier, Governor Ododo described the commissioning as a milestone in the state’s drive to secure its future through strategic investment in education.
“Today marks a defining step in securing Kogi State’s future through purposeful investment in education,” he said.
The governor outlined key features of the schools, including 18 fully equipped classrooms, modern science laboratories, and a 326-capacity Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre.
He attributed the successful execution of the projects to improved state revenues driven by the economic reforms of President Tinubu, while also acknowledging his predecessor, former Governor Yahaya Bello, for initiating the Mega Schools Initiative.
According to Ododo, the schools, designed to accommodate over 1,700 students, will promote quality education, standardisation, and the acquisition of 21st-century skills.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to drastically reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it with purpose,” the governor added, urging students to remain focused and determined.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, commended the governor’s unwavering dedication to transforming the education sector, while also praising the minister for his impactful and engaging leadership.
The Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, HRM Dr. Ahmed Tijani Anaje, also lauded the administration’s efforts, noting that many schools across the state have been revitalised, significantly improving learning conditions.
The minister also commissioned the GYB Model Science Secondary School at Okebukun as part of his visit.
