Dr. Usman stated this during the budget defense of the institution before the House Committee on Education, Science and Technology.

The Rector noted that instead of increasing tuition fee, the management has decided to introduce new courses that are unique to Polytechnic education such as Mass Communication, Printing Technology, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering among others.

He said the move was to expand spaces to accommodate more students instead of using tuition fee to cause hardship on the people.

Dr. Usman explained that his administration will introduce more innovations and reforms with unflinching support of the State Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

The Kogi Government on Friday, threatened heavy sanctions to any school and principal involved in any form of examination malpractices in the state.

The State’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, gave the warning at the inauguration of distribution of free Chemistry and Physics textbooks to 95 public school students in Kogi West Senatorial district at Saint Augustine College Kabba.

He noted that 61 secondary schools in Kogi was recently de-recognised by the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) on account of malpractices in the 2022 West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).

According to him, similar complain was tendered by the examination body in 2019, where 51 secondary schools were involved, noting that things got better in 2020 and 2021 when the numbers of derecognised schools were reduced drastically from 51 to only one.

This, he said was as a result of serious warning by the ministry of education to principals of schools coupled with the commitment and determination of the state government to halt examination malpractices in the state.

The Commissioner lamented that just on Thursday, WAEC officials forwarded a letter to his office intimating the ministry that 61 secondary schools were grossly involved in examination malpractices in the 2022 examination.

“This, I am not going to let it go. We are going to sanction any principal found wanting in this unwholesome behaviour trying to tarnish the good image and reputation we have built in examination conduct in the state.

“The ministry of education will set up a committee that will investigate the involvement of principals in this disgraceful act before we sanction appropriately to serve as deterrent to others.

”The state government can not be investing hugely in education sector then somebody somewhere will be sabotaging our efforts

“We are aware that when WAEC charged registration fees of N23,000, but principals charged over N40,000 ” logistic” involved to indulge in examination malpractices.

”We are not unaware, we will curb the situation by sanctioning whoever found wanting in the act according to the 2020 Kogi State Educational Law.

”We will kill ‘miracles centers’ in Kogi, we will halt all forms of examination malpractices, and some erring schools would be closed down,” the commissioners warned.

He, therefore warned all schools’ principals in the state against involvement in any form of examination malpractices, saying defaulters would face heavy sanctions according to the state’s education law.

Jones also frown on the existing of illegal private tertiary institutions in the state, and assured that very soon the ministry would clampdown on them..

The commissioner enjoined the affected tertiary institutions to put their house in order by doing the heedful.

End

The State’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, made the call during the flagg-off distribution of free Chemistry and Physics textbooks to public school students in Kogi West Senatorial district, on Thursday at Saint Augustine College Kabba.

The free science textbooks totaling 11,000 for the entire state, was sponsored and donated by Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Kogi Auditor-General for Local Government, in support of the State Government’s school adoption and mentorship programme.

The commissioner commended the donor for boosting Gov. Yahaya Bello Administration’s effort to revamping education in the state.

Jones noted that the distribution of the textbooks had been inaugurated and distributed at Okene for Central and Idah for the Eastern senatorial districts.

The commissioner noted that the intervention by Ododo remained the biggest so far in the state since the commencement of the programme, saying it was massive across the three senatorial districts.

He, therefore appealed to individuals and organisations to support government’s efforts through the programme by adopting schools and mentoring of students for excellence to bringing back the glory of education in the state.

”You don’t need all the money to adopt a school or to mentor our students; sharing your experience alone with the students is enough motivation for them to boost their morale,” he said.

Jones stressed the commitment of His Excellency to continue to give utmost priority to education sector particularly the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The commissioner warned schools’ principals and teachers against selling the textbooks, saying government had set machinery in motion to apprehend any erring officials.

He advised the students to utilise the textbooks effectively by studying hard, saying examination malpractice is forbidden in the state.

He further warned all schools’ principals in the state against involvement in examination malpractice, saying defaulters would face heavy sanctions according to the state’s education law.

”We will kill ‘miracles centers’ in Kogi, we will halt all forms of examination malpractices, and some erring schools would be closed down,” the commissioners warned.

In their goodwill messages, Mr Robert Awodi, the President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and Mr Ranti Ojo, the state’s Chairman, Academic Staff Union Of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), both thanked the donor for the gesture

The unions commended the governor for given topmost priority to education in the state, and assured the government of their maximum support.

They further commended the education commissioner for the initiative and for his unprecedented achievements in the sector, saying history would forever remember him for the legacy.

On their part, the Authors of the textbooks, Engr. Yusub Ibrahim and Engr. Yusuf Isah, who are both Lecturers at FUTMINNA, said the leading feature about the books was its learner’s friendly, saying it was a good opportunity for the students and the teachers to utilise.

The authors commended the governor and the commissioner for partnering with them and for making the textbooks to see the light of the day.

In her vote of thanks, Hon Nana Raji, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Vocational and Informal Education, appreciated all the relevant stakeholders for making the project a huge success.

She urged the students to make good use of the textbooks for their own benefits as well as fulfilling the donor’s good intentions.

Some students, Hannah Oloruntoba, Goodluck Osarumwenser, from Lokoja and Kabba/Bunu LGAs, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked the government and the donor for the gesture, and promised to utilise the books effectively.

End

The attention of the Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, has been drawn to an online publication by the name “PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU UNIVERSITY STUDENT’S NEWSLINE” which is not registered with the University, and whose main administrator goes by the name, Saeed Jibrin, a 300 Level student of the Faculty of Law.

The widely circulated publication misinformed the public and our law abiding students that the University under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, has increased school fees without confirmation of the said increase from the University Management.

Consequently, the University Management wishes to categorically state as follows:

1. That there is no increase in school fees payable by the returning students;
2. That the fees payable by the returning students still remains as itemised below:
   i. Tuition = N21, 900
   ii. Third Party Fees = 23,000
   iii. Students Levies and Dues (charged by various students’ associations) = N1, 650
   This brings the total charges to N46, 550
3. That only recently, after a successful resource verification by the National Universities Commission (NUC), a set of new programmes were approved for the University to commence in the 2022/2023 academic session.
4. That these new programmes include B. NSc. Nursing Science, B.Sc. Pharmacology and BMLS. Medical Laboratory Science;
5. That these new programmes are highly capital intensive which attract higher fees across all Nigerian universities for their peculiarities;
6. That to guarantee the sustainability of these new programmes, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, cannot be different; that is why there is need to charge appropriate fees;
7. That, also, for the sustainability of some programmes currently on offer in the University, predominantly those that have two cycles of accreditation, it has become unrealistic to continue to charge a fee of N46,550 to run these programmes.
   Conclusion
   In line with a circular recently issued out on mode of communication in the University, the University Management wishes to reiterate that students strictly abide by the content of the circular. We therefore wish to inform the public that the position was not as presented in the said publication. The presenter embarked on a frolic of his own without sufficient information. As stated earlier, the returning students are not to pay more than the school fees known to them.

Signed:
Management, PAAU, Anyigba

… As PAAU gets approval to run B.NSc Nursing Science, B.Sc Pharmacology and BMLS. Medical Laboratory Science.

The Vice Chancellor, Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, says Gov. Yahaya Bello’s vision is positively shaping University education in Kogi State.

The Vice Chancellor made the disclosure following the approval granted the PAAU by the National Universities Commission for the establishment of three new undergraduate programmes with effect from 2022/23 academic session.

Prof. Marietu Tenuche said the approval granted the University is coming on the heels of PAAU making history by becoming the first State owned University to clinch the coveted Higher Institution Football League trophy, described the Governor’s midas touch in the State owned University as unprecedented..

The programmes granted approval for the University to run in the 2022/23 academic session she disclosed
are B.NSc Nursing Science, B.Sc Pharmacology and BMLS. Medical Laboratory Science.

The Vice Chancellor explained that the feat the PAAU Anyigba has constantly achieved was made possible by the support of Gov. Yahaya Bello, maintained that the institution have never had it this good.

She expressed her determination to breaking new grounds with the support from the Gov. Bello, described the present administration in the State as one resolutely committed to laying a solid foundation for the coming generation.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kogi State chapter, has felicitated with His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, on the 31st Anniversary celebration of creation of Kogi State.

A statement by the State’s Chairman of NMA, Dr Olusola Baoku, on behalf of the State Officers Council (SOC), commended the Governor’s for his great achievements in the state’s health sector.

The statement which was made available to journalists by the NMA PRO, Dr Aiyevbomwan Peter, eulogised the governor for the infrastructural development in the health institutions across the state.

”On behalf of the State Officers Council (SOC), and the entire NMA Kogi State, I congratulate His Excellency, Governor Yahaha Bello and his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, on the 31st anniversary celebration of creation of Kogi State.

”NMA-Kogi sincerely appreciate His Excellency for embarking on construction, renovation, upgrading and equipping of various healthcare institutions across the state.

”We thank the governor for the construction of a beautiful edifice, the Kogi State Reference Hospital, Okene, remodeling of Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH), Lokoja, as well as renovation and revitalization of various cottage hospitals across the state, among several other health infrastructure development,” he said.

The NMA further appreciated the governor’s efforts towards improving the health care delivery to the people of the state, and for making Kogi safe for all and sundry.

Baoku emphasised that the remarkable achievements by the governor in the health sector would go a long way in enhancing quality healthcare delivery for the residents of the state.

”We believe the giant stride achieved in form of infrastructural development in health sector of the state will go a long way to serve the people.We appreciate His Excellency landmark achievements,” he said.

The chairman assured commitment of the association to give the governor full support towards achieving the universal health care coverage for the people of Kogi State, and the welfare of NMA members.

The Association prayed God to grant the Governor the wisdom to continue to pioneer the affairs of the state to greater and enviable heights.

Congratulations your Excellency on the 31st Anniversary celebration of creation of Kogi State!

End

Speaking at the event at Government House Lokoja, the Director General of PDCRC, Barr. Abdullahi Zakari, said the commission set up the Human Rights Special Interventions Committee, and was inaugurated on October 15, 2020, on the directive of the Governor.

According to him, the committee was established to deal with matters arising out of the ENDSARS protests in 2020.

”Today, we are submitting the Kogi State report of its findings and then making appropriate recommendations to Government on what to do.

”We identified the immediate and remote causes of the protests and also made recommendations for the purposes of implementation.

”So that such occurrence will be minimised if not completely stopped in some other time,” he said.

According to Zakari, the committee entertained 12 petitions out of which six of them were life issues.

He explained that at the commission’s level, they were able to address some issues that were not too serious, made recommendations and people have gotten results.

He added that on the other six reports, there was a public hearing where people took ownership of their complaints, and the committee made their findings.

”In all, the recommendations would go a long way into resolving some of the issues that undermined the ENDSARS protests that swept across the country,” Zakari said.

In his response, the Governor commended the committee for a job well done, assuring that the State Government would look into the recommendations for implementation.

The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr Folashade Ayoade, promised to continue to give the necessary support to ensure that Kogi PDCRC is well positioned to deliver on its objectives.

He commended the commission for several civil and criminal cases and interventions it had handled and resolved across the state since it was established.

”I want to assure you that every recommendation therein will be well noted and carry out because of my strong believe in promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights,” he said.

Bello reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the residents and citizens of the state especially the indigents and vulnerable have access to justice free of charge.

The governor further restated his determination to ensure protection, promotion and enforcement of human rights across the state.

Earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ibrahim Mohammed SAN, said Kogi PDCRC was a product of justice sector reforms established through the instrumentality of law.

He commended the commission for a job well done in putting up the ENDSARS report, assuring them of the State Government continuous support and without any interference in delivering their mandates.

Also speaking, the Kogi State Acting Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi, appreciated the Governor for his proactive-ness in ensuring that human rights are promoted, protected and enforced in the state without interference.

He assured the commission of the total support of the judiciary in its bid to deliver justice for the vulnerable and indigent residents and citizens of the state.

In his vote of thanks, the Committee Chairman, Barr. Ibrahim Alhassan, thanked the governor for creating the enabling environment for the committee to operate.

Alhassan further commended the DG Kogi PDCRC for a great job he is doing describing Zakari as a great asset to Kogi State Government

End

Hon. Jacob Abraham Damilare, who Governor Yahaya made history by appointing as the ever youngest Permanent Member of a Board in the State, has earned a commendation letter from His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the executive governor of Kogi State, for his passion, commitment, diligence to service and ability to bring to bear the activities and programs of Agency to the public.

Hon. Jacob Abraham Damilare who is a Permanent Board Member of Kogi State Health Insurance, received the Letter of Commendation Which partly reads thus; “You will recall that you participated in sensitizing members of the public on the existence and activities of the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency. The resultant effect of enrolment of children from 0-5 years, pregnant women, the vulnerable, people living with disabilities, poorest of the poor and the elderly people into the scheme of Bello Care Program in your Agency.
In consequence of the above, His Excellency directed that you be commended for these enormous efforts efforts at enlightening and sensitising members of the public on the existence and activities of your Agency.
It is our fervent hope that this commendation will spur you into doing more for the propagation of this Administration.”, from the Secretary to the government of Kogi State.

The visit was centred around partnership in Energy Development, Information and Telecommunications, Science and Technology, Education and Agriculture.

His Excellency Mr Cui noted that Kogi State was a very rich state with human and natural resources noting that the China National Nuclear Corporation was willing to partner with the state to tap the abundant resources endowed in the state for the benefit of the people.

The Governor thanked the ambassador and his delegation while assuring them that the state was ready and eager to join hands with the People Republic of China for development.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
01/08/2022

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, has doled out N7.25 million to support the transportation of 725 youth corps members of the 2021 Batch ‘B’ Stream I, who completed their service in the state on Thursday.

The governor also gave automatic employment to two members; Jemilu Akpah from Kogi, a physically challenged,
and Mary Aimuan from Edo, who won the prestigious NYSC State Merit Award.

Bello, who spoke at the passing out ceremony of the batch at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, promised to give N10,000 to each of the 725 outgoing NYSC members to support their transportation back to their various destinations.

The governor said that the automatic employment for Jemilu Akpah being a physically challenged; and Mary Aimuan, was for their contributions to the improvement of their host communities.

He thanked the outgoing NYSC members “for the sacrifices made toward uplifting the standard of peoples’ lives.

“Your specific contributions in Primary Health Care delivery services, provision of quality education and rural infrastructure and advocacy in Sustainable Development Goals were critical in fostering and promoting government’s transformation agenda.

“Your deployment to various communities must have endeared you to their custom and tradition and consequently
broadened your perception and understanding of the imperatives of a united Nigeria.

“Your post service aspirations should be toward making Nigeria a better place through selfless service, dedication to duty, honesty,
integrity and accountability.

“You should be good ambassadors of the scheme and spread the gospel of its good virtues,” Bello said.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Idris Musa, commennded the governor for creating enabling environment which ensured the safety and wellbeing of the youth corps members in the state.

Musa, who doubles as the Chairman NYSC Governing Board, urged corps members to continue to display the spirit of humility, patriotism and shun all vices that could adversely affect the image of the country.

Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Pastor Mrs. Mofoluwaso Williams, had commended the NYSC members for their contributions to national development through personal and group Community Service Development (CDS) projects.

She noted that the service year had exposed them to the core values of the NYSC scheme, anchored on patriotism, integrity, efficiency, commitment and teamwork.

She eulogised the corps members for their immense contribution to the critical sectors of the national economy visible in the nooks and crannies of the State, especially in Education, Agriculture and Health sectors.

She said “as you bow out from service today, it is important to reiterate the fact that the era of seeking only white collar jobs is over.

“I, therefore, admonish you to put to good use, the various skills that you have been impacted with through the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship
Development programme.”

In their separate comments, Akpah and Aimuan, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the state, describing it as a rare privilege.

Akpah, who is a writer, specifically commended the governor “for his love and passion for persons living with disabilities in the state.”

End