The Kwara State Government has made significant investments in tertiary education infrastructure, scholarships, and innovation between April and September 2025, according to Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, Commissioner for Tertiary Education.
Speaking at the 3rd Quarter Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing in Ilorin, Hajia Modibbo Kawu highlighted progress in institutional development, staff welfare, student empowerment, research advancement, and academic excellence under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The Ministry secured approvals for major capital projects, including the renovation and upgrading of 14 facilities at the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, which will also support the newly established Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED). Laboratory equipment, library furniture, e-learning software, and an integrated ICT system—including a website, HR management system, bursary automation, and Learning Management System (LMS)—were procured for KWASUED.
The Commissioner also noted improvements in leadership stability and institutional governance across State-owned tertiary institutions. Key appointments included Mr. Benjamin Ayanshola as Provost of the College of Health Technology, Offa, and a new Provost for the College of Education (Technical), Lafiagi. Additionally, the Governing Council of the College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS), Ilorin, was inaugurated to enhance administrative efficiency.
Hajia Modibbo Kawu emphasized that peaceful industrial relations and timely payment of staff salaries have ensured uninterrupted academic calendars. KWASU achieved 100% accreditation for all 25 programs presented to the National Universities Commission (NUC), while Kwara State Polytechnic and State Colleges of Education maintained full accreditation for their respective programs.
The Commissioner also highlighted KWASU’s innovation drive, including converting old government vehicles into electric and CNG-powered systems, signing an MoU with Yasin Logistics, and participating in the Presidential Initiative on CNG (PiCNG) for campus mobility. Other collaborations included Kwara Polytechnic with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, IVTEC Ajase-Ipo with Federal Polytechnic, Offa, and College of Education, Ilorin with Rudn University, Russia for academic exchange.
The government also doubled bursary and scholarship awards for Kwara indigenes, including law students. 200 youths were trained under Batch 9 of KWYEEGS, and over 600 female students participated in Smart Agriculture training under the French Government’s WATEA project in partnership with IITA.
Further achievements included the expansion of Kwara State Polytechnic’s revenue base through a poultry farm and greenhouse, student successes at the 2024 NIPOGA Games, and victories at national competitions such as ECHIPS. Peaceful campus elections were held across institutions.
In aviation education, the Kwara State Aviation College completed Commercial Pilot Licence training for three students and procured new aircraft engines and logistics equipment. IVTEC, Ajase-Ipo, sustained vocational and entrepreneurship programs, while the College of Education (Technical), Lafiagi, expanded technical teacher-education courses.
The Ministry also prioritized staff development, conducting workshops and training on entrepreneurship, ICT, vocational skills, and digital learning, including Blackboard LMS training at the College of Education, Oro.