The Kogi State Government has spent more than ₦20 billion on the development of Kogi State University (KSU) since its establishment two years ago, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, announced on Thursday.
Speaking at the Professor Mathew Ajibero Memorial Lecture, delivered by Professor Lamidi Kehinde of Kogi State University, Kabba, Jones detailed the expenditure, which includes ₦6 billion on administrative blocks, lecture theatres, and classrooms, as well as ₦8 billion for the construction of the Senate building, Faculty of Science, and student hostels.
Jones emphasized the significant impact the university has had on the Gbeleko host community, noting the economic growth driven by the university’s presence. He added that the development of KSU has brought commercial activities to the area, a positive change for the late Professor Ajibero’s community, whom he said would have been proud of the contributions made by the state government.
The Commissioner also reiterated the state government’s commitment to advancing technical education, recognizing its importance for the state’s future.
In his lecture, Professor Kehinde urged the state government to prioritize funding for vocational education, asserting that the future of the nation lies in vocational training rather than traditional white-collar jobs. He emphasized the need for youth to embrace vocational education as a critical pathway for future success.
The late Professor Mathew Ajibero, for whom the memorial lecture was named, was a former Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic.
