•Now boast of improved learning environments, higher student enrollment etc

By Demola Akinyemi, ILORIN

In the early years of his administration, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq created the Ministry of Tertiary Education in Kwara State to oversee and reposition state-owned higher education institutions.  And the priority which the governor gave to tertiary education was evident in the numerous projects he has executed in the sector.

One of the iconic legacy projects which Governor AbdulRazaq established is the Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED). The institution is expected to produce competent, innovative educators capable of meeting 21st-century educational challenges.

Governor AbdulRazaq further provided legislative support for the state owned Teaching Hospital by signing into law the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital Law in 2024 to boost the medical infrastructure and practical training capacity of the institution.

The aim is to systematically enhance the quality of teaching and develop specialized human resources for the sector.

He also completed  the Ilesha-Baruba Campus in Kwara north as well as Osi Campus of Kwara State University which he commissioned in January last year. The campus was lavishly furnished with the state-of-the-art lecture theatres, laboratories, and studios.

The completion of the Osi Campus was in fulfillment of his pledge to ensure no government project is left abandoned.

Through the Ministry of Tertiary Education, the state government has therefore implemented policies that continue to strengthen institutional governance, support innovation, and foster linkage between education and the labour market.

Key Achievements in the Tertiary Education Sector Infrastructure Development

*Massive rehabilitation and upgrade of facilities across Kwara State-owned tertiary institutions, including the Kwara State University (KWASU), Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED); Kwara State Polytechnic; Colleges of Education (Ilorin, Oro, and Lafiagi); the Colleges of Nursing Sciences (Ilorin and Oke-Ode); College of Health Technology, Offa; College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS), Ilorin; Kwara State Aviation College, Ilorin and International Vocational Technology Education Centre (IVTEC), Ajase-Ipo.

•Construction and equipping of lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and hostels to improve learning
•Installation of modern ICT infrastructure to support digital learning and administrative efficiency.
•Provision of new office complexes and renovation of existing buildings to enhance staff productivity.

Access and Scholarship Programmes
•Expansion of scholarship and bursary programmes to support indigenous students across federal and state tertiary institutions.
•Financial support for students in specialized fields such as aviation, health sciences, engineering, and technology.
•Strengthened partnership with the Kwara State Scholarship Board to ensure transparency and merit-based disbursement.

Curriculum Expansion and Accreditation

•Accreditation and re-accreditation of academic programmes across tertiary institutions, ensuring compliance with national standards.
•Introduction of new academic programmes at the Kwara State University and Kwara Polytechnic to meet emerging economic and industrial needs.
•Support for Colleges of Education to develop competence-based teacher education programmes.
Digital Transformation and Innovation
•Implementation of e-learning platforms and ICT-driven administrative systems across tertiary institutions.
•Capacity building for academic and non-academic staff on digital pedagogy and data management.
•Introduction of technology-enhanced teaching and virtual learning platforms to expand access beyond the classroom.

Research, Development, and Partnerships

•Support for collaborative research between state tertiary institutions and development partners.
•Encouragement of innovation-driven projects and participation in national academic research programmes.
•Facilitation of linkages between academia and industries to promote applied research and entrepreneurship.

Human Capital Development

•Continuous professional development programmes for lecturers and administrative staff.
•Recruitment of qualified academic personnel to strengthen teaching quality.
•Sponsorship of staff for local and international training to improve technical and managerial competencies.
Institutional Autonomy and Governance Reforms
•Strengthening of institutional governance frameworks to enhance accountability and performance.
•Introduction of performance-based monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
•Promotion of gender inclusivity and ethical standards within tertiary institutions.

Impact and Outcomes

The cumulative impact of these initiatives has transformed the tertiary education landscape in Kwara State. Institutions now boast of improved learning environments, higher student enrollment, increased programme accreditation, and enhanced staff welfare.

The state tertiary institutions have also witnessed greater public confidence, improved academic performance, and growing recognition as centers of excellence for research, innovation, and community development.

Under the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Kwara state remains committed to sustaining progress in the education sector through continuous investment, innovation, and institutional strengthening.

The government’s vision is to make tertiary education in Kwara a model of excellence in Nigeria, one that produces globally competitive graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to drive development and innovation.