The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, has commended the creation of the Federal University of Education Kontagora, calling it a vital solution for the country’s shortage of teachers. During the university’s opening ceremony on Wednesday, Bago emphasised the institution’s ability to address the gap in qualified teaching staff, an issue that has persistently affected the education sector. The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu and the federal government for their vision of upgrading the institution to a federal university.
He emphasised that this move recognises the critical importance of academics in the development of the nation while also demonstrating a dedication to enhancing educational standards in Niger State and beyond. At the event, Bago’s Special Adviser on Governance and Reform, Isah Adamu, noted the Federal University of Education Kontagora’s pivotal role in cultivating future educators. The governor emphasised that this institution will play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s academic system by equipping a new class of competent teachers capable of inspiring and guiding coming generations.
Qualified teachers are crucial for driving academic progress in Nigeria.
Additionally, Bago explained that the new university is designed to be more than just an academic institution. It is expected to become a hub for intellectual growth, research, and innovation. He underlined that producing high-quality teachers who will meet the ever-changing needs of classrooms nationwide is central to the institution’s mission. He stated that when the university focuses on Teacher training, it invests in the future well-being and development of the nation’s communities. Recognising the academic sector’s challenges, including insufficient Infrastructure and limited resources, Bago maintained a hopeful outlook.
Furthermore, he believed that creating the university would be critical in tackling these concerns. He urged the university’s administration, faculty, and students to be responsible for nurturing future leaders who embody integrity, commitment, and enthusiasm. He also highlighted that the future was filled with possibilities and encouraged everyone to seize the chance to impact the community. Besides its influence on academics, Bago emphasised the economic and social advantages the university will offer Kontagora and neighbouring areas.
Bago expressed gratitude to all involved in the founding of the university.
As a result, the arrival of students, faculty, and staff would stimulate the local economy, generate employment opportunities, and encourage community advancement. The governor described the university as a valuable academic Investment and a driving force for extensive social and economic change. Bago expressed gratitude to all parties contributing to the university’s founding, particularly the Federal Ministry of Education. He urged government representatives, educators, and community figures to work together for the institution’s success, emphasising its potential long-term advantages for the state and the country. He reiterated his administration’s dedication to promoting academic programs, describing learning as the foundation for regional advancement.
For his part, Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, reflected on the governor’s thoughts at the inauguration. He emphasised that President Tinubu’s government considers education a key focus, acknowledging it as essential for societal change and the nation’s growth. Sununu highlighted that the global shortage of teachers is a major issue, worsened by the Brain Drain of talent from the academic sector. He clarified that the government’s move to create additional institutions dedicated to teacher training was a key component of a larger initiative aimed at bridging the gap and ensuring a consistent increase in the number of skilled educators nationwide.
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Lastly, the minister urged students to take advantage of the Federal Government’s Student Loan initiative to assist with their learning, stressing that financial limitations shouldn’t prevent them from completing their studies. Governor Bago concluded his remarks by underscoring academics as a crucial tool for the advancement of both the nation and Niger State. He claimed that establishing the new university marks a significant milestone for the state and the country. He called upon all concerned parties to work collaboratively to establish the university as a symbol of academic distinction that will benefit the nation’s future.