From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi state government has said that all is set for the rehabilitation of four existing technical colleges in the state to enable them wear a new look.
The state government also disclosed that the establishment of the technical colleges was aimed at ensuring abundant feedstock for the newly established Confluence University of Science and Technology.
This is as the Government has upscale the budgetary allocation to education from 20% to 30% in the 2022 fiscal year.
Governor Yahaya Bello announced this on Tuesday at the launch of the School adoption and mentorship programme of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology held at the Government House, Lokoja
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the state government, Mrs Folashade Ayoade Arike , noted that his Government places high premium on education ,as the state government has surpassed the UNICEF global benchmark for education sector.
He stated that the state in its developmental agenda, has mapped out eight thematic areas to fastract development , however said , education sector has always received greater attention from him.
The Governor insisted that education is the right of children, hence, the education law of the state forbid parents and guardians from not enrolling pupils of School age or withdrawing them from Schools.
He disclosed that as a result of the commitment of his Government to lift the access and standard of education in the state through massive investment, which manifested with the take off of the Confluence University of Science and Technology barely in one year ,which is about to complete its first session.
He urged political office holders, well to do individuals, and alumni to adopt a school so as to mentor the young ones for the progress of the society.
He added that as a friend of children, he has directed his appointees to adopt a school and offer free tutorials to students as a motivation for them to succeed
Earlier, the commissioner for Education Science and Technology Wemi Jones noted that the programme of adoption and mentorship was conceived by the ministry, aimed at encouraging stakeholders to awake consciousness of learning in schools across the state.
While giving insight to the concept of “School adoption and mentorship’ the commissioner disclosed was to help restore the lost glory of education in the state hitherto known as the lion of the North.
According to him, the Governor Yahaya Bello adopted education as one of the focal areas of attention and allocated 20% in 2021 and increased it to 30% in the current 2022 budget , a feat that is higher than the Unesco global benchmark.
He added that despite the massive investment to education sector,alot remains to be done as government alone cannot shoulder all responsibilities, hence, a call on stakeholders to assist in the provision of education consumables and infrastructures.
The commissioner said, by this programme, stakeholders are expected to offer teaching, career talks, motivation lectures and storytelling to motivate students to put in their best in their studies.
“Undertaking the motivational teaching and adoption of a school , an indigent student will be motivated and helped to restore their interest in education and its core values.
” School adoption and mentorship will help stakeholders to have first hand informational knowledge regarding schools and learners they may wish to adopt. It will also help to motivate the learners and schools managements.
While explaining the modalities of the programme which he said will be through personal life stories , great historical figures and life experiences that will motivate learners and many other methods that will arouse the interest of pupils and students to learning.
He added that the envisaged stakeholders include political office holders, Religious leaders , traditional rulers; Senior civil servants, Successful businessmen and women, Union leaders ,