Gov. Yahaya Bello and Imperatives of the Proposed Okun University

Just recently, Kogi State Executive Council approved the establishment of another University in Okun land. This forms the basis of this feature written by Adebayo Emmanuel Korede, a Kogi based Journalist

Education forms the nexus upon which all other sectors are anchored, a reason for the attention given to the sector by governments at all levels.

Obviously, the new direction administration of Governor Yahaya Bello recognized this fact and accordingly, made education one of the five thematic areas of his government.

To justify this position therefore, the GYB administration has obviously been consistent on matters concerning education as evident in the annual allocation to the sector.

The development became more evident when the State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo re-echoed government’s plan at the palace of the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi.

According to him, the establishment of the University has been the dream of the Okun people, hence the move by the present administration of Governor Yahaya Bello has been seen to be a commendable effort.

According to the Commissioner, Professors from Okun extraction will soon be mobilized to the headquarters of the National Universities Commission, NUC, for the signing of relevant documents.

He told the Okun Traditional leaders that the University was a brain child of the Governor in recognizing education as the biggest industry of the Okun people.

Ordinarily and from the political angle, one will think that the Governor’s plan was mere political gimmick considering the time lap of the administration, but the inauguration of the implementation committee has given further hope that Governor Yahaya Bello’s intention was genuine.

Specifically, on Wednesday, 17th, May, 2023, Kogi State Executive Council presided over by Governor Yahaya Bello officially gave a nod to the University.

The pronouncement generated mixed reactions as many, particularly those who do not believe in magics of the present administration in the State.

Happily, such people have forgotten that most people doubted the establishment of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara but today, it has come to stay.

The Anglican Bishop of Ijumu Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Right Reverend Paul Ojo, who at several times prayed for the establishment of a University in Okun land, expressed optimism that the University has become real.

There is no doubt that many other persons in Okun land had wished and prayed for a University in Okun land, hence the approval of the Tertiary Institution is seen as an answer to prayers.

For every right thinking Kogite, establishing a University in Okun land is just striking the balance of inequality in the existence of state-owned Universities.

Aside that, the move is a step in the right direction as Okun land has uncountable Professors that have the capacity to make the Institution work, hence education remains the biggest industry of the people.

These Professors are expected to use their wealth of experience to develop the University education and be a pride to other states across the Country.

It is also a statement of fact that establishing a University in Okun land has brought Tertiary education to the door steps of the people of Kabba-Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, Mopa/Amuro, Yagba West and other parts of the State as well as those outside the area.

With this positive development, Governor Bello, a record breaker has done it again in an exceptional way as the achievement will remain indelible in the minds of the people of Okun land.

At this point, it is educative to say that to set the ball rolling and to prove the nay sayers wrong, Governor Yahaya Bello has inaugurated an implementation Committee of the University headed by an Erudite Professor, Olu Obafemi.

The Committee consists of men of impeccable character, who have distinguished themselves as seasoned Academicians in their respective fields.

Undoubtedly, the terms of reference given to the committee include – determining the type of University to be established, whether specialized or conventional, suitable name for the University, Preparation of
Academic brief, establishing law and
University Master Plan to be presented to the National Universities Commission (NUC) for obtaining approval.

Others are determination of a suitable location for the University as well as a takeoff site to allow for immediate commencement of academic activities, determination of realistic and sustainable funding sources for the University and other activities that may be required for the immediate takeoff.

Now that the Committee has gotten the nod to swing into action, all eyes are on it and with optimism that the New Direction Administration will give them the free hand to carry out the assignment diligently.

To stakeholders and the people of Okun land, the agitation of where to site the University should be down played while efforts must be geared towards how the Proposed institution of learning will attract development to the Area.

The quest to realize such an enviable institution has often been a dream of many, hence all efforts should be geared towards attaining set goals rather than personal gains.

It is believed that the new University, when finally established, will above all, be a pride to all, irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation.