The Kogi State Government has reiterated its commitment to continue giving science, technical and engineering education more attention to raise scientists that will explore the abundant mineral deposits of the state to her advantage.
The Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones reiterated the commitment at the ongoing conference in Kogi State Polytechnic, School of Engineering, Itakpe Campus on Wednesday.
Hon. Jones said the state government has started raising professionals that will tap into the mineral deposits of the state to the benefit of the people to ease their burden.
“We are going towards diversification and Kogi must be an active player in the field. What the government is doing is to position Kogi to take advantage of what God has given to us.
“The focus is shifting to mineral deposits exploration to position our people not to work as gardeners and labourers but as professionals at different levels where we can take full advantage of the mineral deposits on which the state is sitting.”
To this effect, he said the Yahaya Bello-led administration has embarked on massive renovation of four model science secondary schools at Adankolo, Ajioyolo, Oboroke and Okene; aside the established specialized Confluence University of Technology and the increase of education funds from 20% to 30% among other numerous initiatives.
He reiterated the commitment of the present administration to raising educational standards in the the to an unprecedented level and urged education managers to expend government funds judiciously.
The Commissioner also announced bountiful rewards for hard working teachers, while encouraging them to do more to benefit from incentives soon to be unveiled.
Earlier, the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Usman said the conference provided an opportunity for the institution to collaborate with others to achieve its mission of being an outstanding institution.
He commended the state government for the approval granted the polytechnic to recruit additional staff into the School of Engineering, while soliciting support for the perimeter fencing of the school.
Present at the conference were the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Pastor Emmanuel Idenyi and the Director of Tertiary and Continuing Education, Mrs Olabisi Oshagbemi.
Modupe Adegboro,
PRO, MOES&T.
