Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has praised the Federal Government for the official inauguration of the Federal University of Education in Kontagora, calling it a pivotal step towards reshaping the educational landscape of the state and the nation.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, the inauguration which took place on Wednesday was hailed as a significant investment in the future of education in Nigeria.
In his address, Governor Bago, represented by the Special Adviser on Governance and Reform, Dr. Isah Adamu, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for upgrading the institution.
The governor emphasized the university’s critical role in addressing the nation’s educational challenges, particularly in teacher education.
“This university is a beacon of hope, promising to shape the future of our nation by training well-equipped educators who will inspire generations,” Bago stated.
He acknowledged the existing challenges in Nigeria’s education sector, such as inadequate infrastructure and limited resources but expressed optimism that the new university would help bridge these gaps.
Governor Bago highlighted the university’s potential to produce high-quality educators who will strengthen the nation’s educational system and meet the evolving needs of classrooms across Nigeria.
Beyond education, the governor noted the socio-economic benefits the university would bring to Kontagora and surrounding communities.
He said the influx of students would stimulate local economic growth, create jobs, and contribute to the area’s development.
“This is more than an educational investment; it’s a catalyst for social and economic transformation,” he remarked.
Governor Bago urged the management, staff, and students to embrace their role in shaping future leaders, adding that the institution should become a hub for intellectual growth, research, and innovation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting educational initiatives as a foundation for Nigeria’s progress.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, reiterated the Federal Government’s focus on education as a tool for social transformation.
He stressed the importance of teacher training institutions, especially in light of the global shortage of educators, and encouraged students to take advantage of available loan programs to further their studies.
