Ododo vows to prioritise education

The Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has said that the payment of students’ WAEC fees by his administration should not be seen as doing them any favour.

Ododo, while paying an unscheduled visit to the GYB Model Science, Adankolo, Lokoja, the state capital, on Tuesday, explained that rather, it should be seen as doing “what we are elected to do.”

This is coming as he reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to continue to prioritise quality education in the state.

The governor, while addressing the students, said his unscheduled visit was to have a first-hand assessment of the model science school and to know how the students were faring.

He thanked the students for the warm reception and expressed his administration’s determination to continue to make education a priority.

“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.

“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,” Ododo said.

The governor recounted how he could not have the opportunity to have a handshake with a former governor, the late Abubakar Audu, when he visited his secondary school.

He, therefore, for that reason, had a handshake with all the students in the class, and they were so excited.

The school principal, Ajofe Godwins, thanked the governor for the privilege and love for education generally.

“It is rare to find a state funding three full-fledged universities among other institutions,” he said.

The principal recalled that the former governor, Yahaya Bello, who visited the school on November 28, 2016, lamented the condition and promised to construct a brand new model school.

He said the former governor graciously fulfilled his promise and brought former President Muhammadu Buhari to commission the edifice on December 29, 2022.