In a powerful declaration of his administration’s core priorities, Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has unequivocally positioned education as the fundamental engine for sustainable growth and a more prosperous future for the state. The governor’s remarks, delivered at a landmark educational summit, signal a strategic and multi-faceted approach to tackling one of Nigeria’s most critical development challenges.
Governor Ododo’s address was presented on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the 2025 Igala Education Summit in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area. The summit, which marked the 25th anniversary of the Igala Education Foundation (IEF), served as a fitting platform for this policy reaffirmation. Represented by his Deputy, Mr. Joel Salifu, the governor commended the foundation’s leaders and supporters for their quarter-century of “unwavering dedication to advancing education and positively impacting children and families across Igala and Bassa land.”
He paid special tribute to the foundation’s late founder, Prof. Francis Idachaba, describing him as a “distinguished educationist whose vision had enabled many young people to access education and build better lives.” This acknowledgment underscores a vital context: the role of community-led, non-governmental initiatives in supplementing state efforts, a partnership model the governor explicitly endorsed.
Beyond Rhetoric: The Pillars of Ododo’s Educational Agenda
Moving beyond general commitments, Governor Ododo outlined specific, actionable policies that form the pillars of his educational transformation plan. These measures are designed to address systemic barriers at multiple levels:
- Financial Accessibility: The policy of free and compulsory education from nursery through secondary school is a direct intervention to boost enrollment and retention, particularly for children from low-income households. Crucially, the administration has extended this support to cover examination fees for major national bodies—the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). This removes a significant financial hurdle that often prevents qualified students from obtaining certifications and pursuing higher education.
- Infrastructure and Learning Environment: The pledge to improve school facilities addresses the often-dilapidated state of many public schools. This encompasses not just buildings, but also essential resources like libraries, laboratories, and technology—components critical for a 21st-century education.
- Teacher Welfare and Capacity: Recognizing that the quality of education is inextricably linked to the quality of teachers, Ododo promised “better support for teachers.” This could include timely payment of salaries, professional development training, and improved working conditions, all of which are essential for motivation and effective pedagogy.
A Call for Collaborative Governance
Perhaps the most insightful aspect of the governor’s statement was his explicit acknowledgment that “government would not achieve this alone.” He issued a direct call to action for parents, community leaders, and all stakeholders to continue supporting organizations like the Igala Education Foundation. This reflects an understanding of collaborative governance, where the state acts as an enabler and coordinator, leveraging the reach and cultural resonance of community-based organizations to amplify impact.
This sentiment was echoed by the Chairperson of the Summit, Mrs. Achenyo Obaro, who detailed the IEF’s 25-year legacy of “shaping futures and opening new opportunities.” She called for “deeper involvement and partnerships” from the diaspora and professionals of Igala and Bassa extraction. This highlights a potential model for development: harnessing the resources, expertise, and networks of a state’s indigenous professionals, both at home and abroad, to fund scholarships, provide mentorship, and upgrade infrastructure.
Transforming Pledges into Tangible Outcomes
While the commitments are comprehensive, the true test for the Ododo administration will lie in implementation, funding consistency, and measurable outcomes. Key indicators of success will include:
- Increased enrollment and completion rates across all levels.
- Improved performance in WAEC/NECO examinations and university admission rates.
- Visible and equitable upgrades to school infrastructure across the state’s three senatorial districts.
- High teacher morale and reduced incidence of strikes.
- Scaled-up partnerships with foundations like the IEF, evidenced by increased scholarship awards and community programs.
By framing education as the non-negotiable key to Kogi’s future, Governor Ododo has set a clear benchmark for his administration. The outlined policies provide a concrete framework. Their diligent execution, sustained funding, and the fostered collaboration between government, communities, and the private sector will determine whether this pledge becomes the transformative legacy he envisions for the people of Kogi State.
Reported by Opeyemi Gbemiro for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Chinyere Omeire.
