By 
KOGI state Governor, Yahaya Bello, has inaugurated a 17-man committee to kick off a proposed state University in Okun, Kogi West Senatorial District of the state.
The proposed state university, which will be the third state-owned university, according to Bello, is a move informed by fairness, equity and egalitarianism to the people of Okunland.
The governor charged the committee to ensure speedy action in order for the university to commence academic activities immediately.
Dismissing the allegation that establishing University in Okun land is political, the governor lamented that despite having over 600 professors, the Okun land was yet to get a university.
Bello, while inaugurating the 17-man implementation Committee comprised of Professors from Kogi State, on Wednesday, at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge, in Abuja, also said that the university will provide an opportunity for thousands of Kogi state children who have been unable to secure admission in already existing universities.
He said: “It is equitable. It is fair. It is just that our brothers in Okun land enjoy what others are enjoying, hence the conceivement of establishing another university situated in Okun land. I am aware that we have thousands of our children at home who cannot be absorbed by these universities that are already existing and there’s no space for them in other universities across the country.
“Here are people that are endowed with knowledge. I want to believe over 600 professors are existing in Okun land yet you can boast of one university. This administration has brought the university you so much longed for. Some people thought it was a political statement. Let me say the naysayers. By the special grace of God when God promised we fulfill it. Whether it is political or not, nobody will be able to erase it from my record that under my leadership, I established a university in Okun land.”
He, however, said that it is his dream that before he leaves office in January 2024, he would matriculate the first set of students in the university.
“I congratulate the people of Okun land and the people of Kogi State for a dream come true. Let me assure you that by the grace of God, I will matriculate the first set of students in this University, I urge you to make my dream come true,” he added.
Bello, therefore, gave the Committee members not less than six weeks to deliver on the roadmap for its quick takeoff, which are: “Determination of type of university to be established, whether specialized or the conventional type of university; Determination of a suitable name of the university;
preparation of academic brief, university law, university master plan; Determination of a suitable location of the university;
“Determination of a takeoff campus to allow for immediate commencement of academic activities; Determination of realistic funding sources for the university, and any other activities that will be required for the immediate takeoff of the university.”
Responding, the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Professor Olu Obafemi, thanked the Governor for giving them the opportunity to serve in the committee.
Furthermore, he assured the Governor of the commitment of the committee to ensure that he matriculates the first set of students before he leaves office in January 2024. (Vanguard)
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