The newly established Kogi State University, Kabba has continued to elicit reactions among indigenes of Kogi State within and outside the country.
Recall that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had last month granted approval for the establishment of the University as the 62nd state universities and the 265th universities in the country.
The immediate Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed spoke recently when the State Governor, Yahaya Bello paid him a visit.
Rasheed said that the commission had on June 19, received a letter on the formal presentation of gazetted documents establishing the university.
“I write on behalf of the NUC to inform his excellency that with effect from June 26, 2023, Kogi State University, Kabba has been established as the 62nd state universities and 265th university in Nigeria”, he said.
This has however attracted joy among indigenes of Okun, Kabba local government of Kogi State resident in Abuja.
Writing after a celebration in Abuja, Richard Otitoleke said, “The idea to celebrate the establishment of KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY, KABBA yesterday,was conceived out of a deep thought,excitement and in recognition of it’s generational impacts, multiple socio-economic and educational values that are often attributed to such landmark project, sited in Okun land by the Kogi State *Governor,His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello* who considered the idea of a University in Okun land as long over due and therefore graciously, committed his efforts that has brought it to reality.
“By this historical gesture, Governor Yahaya Bello has undisputably, written his name in gold in Okun land,and this act will certainly not be forgotten by many generations to come.
“The University,haven been established by an Act of the Kogi State parliament, remains a statutory responsibility of every incoming government, regardless of the political party.
“The Okun residents’ get-together yesterday in Abuja to celebrate the establishment of the university, cut across all political parties, in which ideas and opinions were shared on how all stakeholders in Okun land can collaborate with the government for the ownership,funding and sustainability of the University.
“It was a great and pleasurable outing on Friday and this wouldn’t have happened without the financial benevolence of our own *Hon.Teejay Yusuf and Mr.Olayinka Braimoh* the Kogi State governoship candidate of *Action Alliance,* which is in furtherance of the behind-the-scene roles for the University to come to reality as well as the attestation to their continuous patriotic gestures,which will not be forgotten.
“It is important to appreciate all the co-organizers; Hon.Oluwakayode Emmanuel Eseyin, PDP Youths Leader in Kabba-Bunu Local goverment Hon.Tunde Akanmidu,Hon.Seyi Babaeko, Comrade Edwin Olorunfemi for such comfortable and satisfactory arrangement.
“Our profound respect and gratitude to all patriotic Okun residents in Abuja who,out of their busy schedules, attended the gathering,as well as those who expressed their solidarities but couldn’t be physically present. Special appreciation also to our own ATM *Tunmise Aiyenale* for the back up provided.
“God bless Okun Nation.”
God bless Kogi State
*Richard Otitoleke*
