Hon. Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Helen Aderibigbe, on Monday Tuesday visited Kogi State University, Kabba. The Commissioner who was on a working visit to the university expressed her satisfaction over the rate of development in the young institution.
Dr Aderibigbe acknowledged the vision of former Governor Yahya Adoza Bello and the continued commitment of the current administration of His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, which has led to significant advancements in the university.
The innovation commissioner thanked the Vice Chancellor Professor K.I.T. Eniola and management staff for their outstanding work and expressed her joy at the assurance that the university is open to partnership with the ministry. According to the Commissioner, the visit was to assess the university’s needs in ICT, digital literacy, and innovation. She expressed her awareness of upcoming ICT initiatives in the state and her desire to support the university’s growth.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor K.I.T. Eniola praised former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello for his vision in establishing the university, despite doubts expressed by some about its feasibility. Professor Eniola also commended the current Governor, Alh. Usman Ahmed Ododo, for his commitment to continuity and support for the university’s progress.
The VC outlined the university’s aspirations to be a safe, digital, and entrepreneurial institution. He highlighted the recent entrepreneurial achievements of first-year business administration students.
The Vice Chancellor shared his vision for the university, emphasizing a focus on quality admissions, assessments, and global standards. He outlined plans to produce Gari and palm oil on campus and to ensure that graduates are globally competitive, nationally recognized and locally relevant.
The VC announced the university’s first-year anniversary and the approval of 25 programs by the NUC. He discussed the high demand for admission, with over double the available capacity for the first batch in just a few days. To address this, the university has implemented a cut-off point of 170.
He noted that to accommodate students who were unable to meet the cut-off point, the university has partnered with the College of Agriculture ABU Kabba to offer A-level programs and IJMB exams. Professor Eniola further hinted at a planned collaboration with the College of Education Mopa for a remedial program.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Commissioner of Science, Technology, and Innovation to address challenges related to internet access and infrastructure. He expressed gratitude to the Governor for the ongoing construction projects that are improving the university’s facilities.
The Vice Chancellor conducted the Commissioner on a tour of the university’s digital center and other facilities.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of free internet access within the campus and expressed her hope that it could be achieved through collaboration with the internet society. She pledged to explore other areas where the ministry could contribute to the university’s development and encouraged the Vice Chancellor to seek assistance whenever needed.
PRU/MI/RA/OJT