Kogi pledges to develop state university

KOGI State Government has expressed commitment to the progress and development of the Kogi State University, (KSU) Anyigba.
Governor Idris Wada stated this when he received a delegation from the National Universities Commission on a courtesy visit at his office in Lokoja.

Governor Wada, who said the University occupies a special place in his heart noted that it is in line with the commitment of his administration to develop the University that his Government constructed two hostel blocks, a water project and the Teaching Hospital that is currently under construction.

Leader of the NUC delegation, Professor Mafiana disclosed that the NUC is happy with the progress made by KSU in the accreditation of its programmes and commended the Governor for the attention given to the welfare of staff and students of the University.

Meanwhile, as preparation for the governorship election in the state gathers momentum a group,
Chief of Staff to the governor, Muhammed Nasiru has distanced himself from the posters around the state capital and its environs suggesting that he was interested in the governorship race.

In a statement by the COS in Lokoja, which was made available to journalists, he said at no time did he indicate interest or told anyone that he was interested in the governorship race.

He described the originators of the idea as wicked, callous and a calculated attempt to sow the seed of discord between him and his boss, whom he said he shares very cordial working relationship.

He reiterated his commitment and loyalty to the governor saying that he was prepared to serve him now and in future, even as he noted that no amount of blackmail would distract him from discharging his responsibility as the chief of staff to the governor.

Governor Wada, who stated that KSU has maintained steady growth in all ramifications since it was established, added it is in pursuit of the government’s commitment to the development of the University that all outstanding labour issues affecting the institution are being addressed, stressing that the government will continue to accord priority to the welfare of staff and students of KSU.

According to the Vice Chancellor of University, Professor Hassan Isa, full academic activities would soon resume at the Kogi State University, according to.

Professor Isa, who said the university has made commendable progress in academic development, commended the interest shown in the institution by the present administration, which according to him led to full accreditation of 75 of all its academic programmes and ‘A’ Rating by the NUC among over 25 universities, including federal universities in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the University Senate has met to adjust the academic calendar to accommodate time lost due to the recent strike action, adding that the university authority is confident there will be no further disruption in the academic calendar once the university resumes.

Also, a group in the state; Kogi Transformation Network (KOTRAN) has said it was ploy by mischief-makers to tarnish the image of the Chief of Staff.

Chairman of the board of trustees of KOTRAN, Onuh Farouk said mischief-makers and political opponents of the Governor are bent on causing disaffection between the Governor and his Chief of staff

KOTRAN said the Chief of Staff is not working at cross purposes with his principal, even as he stated Nasiru would uphold his oath of office to be obedient and give full allegiance to the Governor while he discharges his duty without fear or favor.