FIC Report (Kogi State) – Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every child in the state has access to quality and inclusive education in a bold step towards reshaping the future of education in Kogi State.
The governor made this declaration on Monday during the commissioning of the GYB Model Secondary School in Nagazi, Adavi Local Government Area, describing the project as a powerful investment in the lives of young people and the long-term development of the state.
According to Ododo, the newly inaugurated school is more than just a physical structure; it represents a clear vision to raise a generation equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with strong character and leadership capacity.
He explained that the project is part of a broader Mega School initiative strategically designed to transform the education sector across Kogi State.
“This school stands as a monumental expression of our commitment to building enduring value in our children and the progress of our dear state What we are commissioning today is a key component of a comprehensive and deliberate statewide transformation strategy,”the governor said.
He noted that the Mega School concept is being implemented in strategic locations in the state to ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of their community or background.
The goal, he stressed, is to provide students with access to modern, inspiring, and well-equipped learning environments.
Ododo also attributed the state’s ability to execute such impactful projects to improved revenue flows resulting from the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the reforms have enabled sub-national governments to redirect resources previously lost to inefficiencies toward meaningful development projects.
“What used to be lost to ghost subsidies is now being invested in schools for the poor, hospitals for the vulnerable and primary healthcare centres for grassroots communities,” he added.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, in his address,commended the governor’s visionary leadership, describing the initiative as part of a well-thought-out strategy to overhaul the education system in the state.
He noted that transforming a community school into a modern academic facility demonstrates how lasting legacies are built.
Alausa further praised the state government’s policies on free education and the payment of examination fees for students in public schools, including WAEC, JAMB, and NABTEB.
According to him, these interventions have significantly reduced the financial burden on families and contributed to a noticeable decline in the number of out-of-school children.
He also highlighted the impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), revealing that over 1.1 million students nationwide have benefited from more than N200 billion disbursed within two years.
The initiative, he said, ensures that no Nigerian is denied education due to financial constraints.
While commissioning the school, the minister urged teachers and administrators to uphold high standards of professionalism and dedication in maintaining the facility and delivering quality education.
In his vote of thanks, the Vice Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, described the project as the fulfilment of a long-standing dream.
As an alumnus of the institution, he said the development sends a strong message to every child in Kogi State that their future matters and their potential is worth investing in.
The GYB Model Secondary School, formerly known as Ebira Community Secondary School, Ogaminana, now boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including 18 classrooms with multiple arms, a well-stocked library, modern science and ICT laboratories, a spacious examination hall, and a 326-capacity Computer-Based Test centre built to global standards
The school also features sports facilities, improved water and sanitation systems, and a secure, fenced environment that promotes safety and holistic development
With over 1,700 students already enrolled, the institution stands as a symbol of hope and a model for educational excellence in the state.
The commissioning of the school marks a significant milestone in Kogi’s educational journey, reinforcing the belief that investing in education is the most powerful tool for building a prosperous and sustainable future.
Maryam Abubakar Gulma
CIPRO FIC LOKOJA
13th April 2026
