By Olufemi Adetola
The transformation of Kwara State’s basic education sector under Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRasaq has been nothing short of revolutionary. Recognizing education as the cornerstone of societal progress and sustainable development, Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRasaq CON has taken decisive and impactful steps to uplift a sector that had long been neglected. His administration’s commitment to education underscores the governor’s visionary leadership and his belief in the transformative power of knowledge.
Before his tenure began in 2019, Kwara’s basic education system was in a deplorable state. Years of neglect and mismanagement by previous administrations had left public schools in shambles. The state’s failure to meet its counterpart funding obligations under the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program led to Kwara being blacklisted by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). This not only halted progress but also eroded the state’s reputation as a beacon of knowledge and academic excellence.
Governor AbdulRasaq’s inauguration marked the dawn of a new era for education in Kwara State. Determined to restore the sector’s glory, he made basic education a top priority. One of his administration’s first bold moves was to clear the backlog of counterpart funds owed to UBEC, thereby restoring Kwara’s eligibility for federal matching grants. This singular action paved the way for a cascade of transformative projects aimed at rejuvenating the basic education system.
Central to the governor’s vision was the launch of the KwaraLEARN program, a digital initiative designed to revolutionize primary education in the state. Leveraging technology and data-driven solutions, KwaraLEARN has introduced high-quality learning materials, robust teacher training programs, and technology-enabled support systems to create a more efficient and effective learning environment. This initiative has positioned Kwara State as a leader in innovative educational reforms.
The appointment of Professor Shehu Raheem Adaramaja as the chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB) further exemplifies Governor AbdulRasaq’s commitment to excellence. A seasoned academic and administrator, Professor Adaramaja has been instrumental in translating the governor’s vision into tangible results. His leadership has brought a renewed sense of purpose and efficiency to KWSUBEB, driving unprecedented progress in the sector.
Under Governor AbdulRasaq’s administration, the state has witnessed significant investments in education infrastructure. Hundreds of public schools have been constructed or rehabilitated, creating conducive environments for learning. Teachers have been hired in large numbers, and existing ones have undergone continuous training and retraining to enhance their capacity. The timely payment of salaries and the provision of teaching and learning materials have further motivated educators and improved student outcomes.
One of the most notable achievements of the administration is the completion of a state-of-the-art UBE Smart Model School at Adeta, Ilorin. Equipped with modern teaching tools and technology. His Excellency has also established 39 Digital Literacy Centres across the 16 LGAs. These facilities exemplifies the governor’s vision of providing 21st-century technology-driven education to Kwara’s children. It stands as a testament to the administration’s dedication to creating safe, conducive, and innovative learning spaces.
Governor AbdulRasaq’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Testimonies abound from students, teachers, and parents who have witnessed the remarkable turnaround in the education sector. His revolutionary strides have not only restored Kwara’s pride as a state of academic excellence but have also set a new benchmark for what visionary leadership can achieve in basic education.
Under his watch as the Chief Executive Officer of the state, Kwara basic school children has won the Presidential School Debate Championship consistently for the third times in a row. Kwara basic school children had represented Nigeria twice in international debate championships. The children came 5th position at the recently concluded National Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists(JETS) exhibitions. Team Kwara will also represent Nigeria in Turkey next year international debate competition.
As Kwara continues to reap the benefits of these reforms, the legacy of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq will remain a shining example of transformative governance.
*Olufemi Adetola writes from GRA, Akanbi Ward 2, Ilorin South LGA*
