By joshua Ododo’s Govt Ready To Partner Foundations To Boost Education — Kogi Education Commissioner, Hon. Wemi Jones
The Kogi State Government has expressed readiness to partner with private foundations and stakeholders to boost access to quality education in the state.
The Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, stated this on Tuesday in Lokoja while representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo at the official launch of the Oba Samuel Sunday Tolorunshe Educational Foundation (OSSTEF).
Held at the Riverton Hotel, Lokoja, the event attracted education stakeholders, community leaders and well-wishers.
Jones commended the Chairman of the Foundation, Barr. Joseph Tolorunshe, for establishing the foundation, describing it as a timely intervention that aligns with government’s vision for educational transformation.
He assured that the present administration remains open to collaborations that complement its efforts in expanding learning opportunities for children and youth.
The Commissioner also used the occasion to highlight the achievements of the Ododo administration in the education sector, including free education policy, payment of WAEC, NECO and JAMB fees, investment in science and technology education, digital learning, and technical and vocational education.
He noted that Governor Ododo’s Education Transformation Agenda is focused on building a system where no child is excluded and no talent is wasted.
In his keynote address titled “Transforming Educational Access and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria: Strategic Solutions for Kogi State”, Jones said education must go beyond enrollment to provide quality, skills and innovation needed for the modern workplace driven by technology and Artificial Intelligence.
“Government cannot do this alone. Transforming education requires partnership between government, families, communities, teachers, private sector and foundations. That is why OSSTEF is significant,” he said.
Highpoint of the launch was the conferment of Award of Excellence on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his contributions to education development in Kogi State, and on Hon. Wemi Jones for his commitment to advancing education in the state.