The Kogi State government has revealed that it spent ₦20 billion on the Kogi State University, Kabba, which was established two years ago.
The disclosure was made by the State Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, during a keynote address at the Professor Mathew Ajibero memorial lecture.
The lecture, organised by the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute in Lokoja, was delivered by Professor Lamidi Kehinde of Kogi State University, Kabba.
Wemi Jones explained that the expenditure included ₦6 billion allocated to the construction of administrative blocks, lecture theatres, and classrooms, while ₦8 billion was spent on the Faculty of Science building and male and female hostels.
The Commissioner highlighted the positive impact of the university on the host community of Gbeleko, noting that the injection of substantial funds into the area has spurred unprecedented development.
“The University has brought viable commercial activities to Gbeleko community, which happened to be Late Professor Ajibero’s community, and I know Ajibero himself would be grateful to the state government for what has been done to his community through the establishment of the Kogi State University, Kabba,” he said.
Jones reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to advancing technical education, recognising its significant potential to contribute to the state’s growth.
The guest lecturer, Professor Lamidi Kehinde, called on the government to demonstrate political will and increase funding for vocational education, which he described as essential for the country’s future.
“The era of white-collar jobs is long gone. Vocational training is the future, which every youth should embrace,” he added.
Late Professor Mathew Ajibero, in whose honour the lecture was held, was a former Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic.
