The federal government has appealed to all stakeholders involved in national projects to significantly increase their investment in the education of young children. This initiative is aimed at encouraging children to leave the streets and become productive members of society and the nation.
Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, articulated this position on Monday while delivering a speech at the inauguration of the ultra-modern GYB Model Science Secondary School in Nagazi, located in the Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
He emphasized that education serves as a primary catalyst for national progress. According to the Minister, every piece of knowledge imparted to a child is akin to empowering an entire generation, given that the future belongs to individuals who prepare for it with clear objectives.
Dr. Alausa further highlighted the federal government's introduction of the NELFUND program, designed to ensure that no Nigerian student is denied access to tertiary education due to financial difficulties.
He stated that the government has allocated over N200 billion to support eligible Nigerian students in less than two and a half years.
The Minister commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his substantial achievements in the education and security sectors, characterizing these initiatives and their tangible outcomes as a testament to his visionary and purposeful leadership.
Adding to his remarks, Dr. Alausa noted that the mega school concept, being implemented to ensure quality education for every child, will foster essential skills and cultivate a competitive workforce crucial for national advancement.
"Education is the bedrock of any country's development; let's get these young kids off the streets. Let's get them into schools. Let's initiate a school feeding program, providing one meal per day to encourage them to return to school," he urged.
"I thank all our governors for the renewed emphasis on investing in education. I challenge you further to build more primary schools to get them off the streets," he added.
The Minister lauded Governor Ododo for dedicating over 30 percent of his state's budgetary allocation to education. He also maintained that the governor's "emphasis and tenacity in maintaining security in the State is second to none."
"You have judiciously utilized additional funding unlocked by the President for the state, investing in critical areas of the economy: education, infrastructure, security, and the construction of schools and hospitals.
"As of today, Kogi State is among the states boasting three universities and several polytechnics. This is service to humanity.
"I use Your Excellency as a reference point for all governors in Nigeria today to thank them for their efforts and sacrifices in building sustainable education in the country."
Earlier in his address, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo stated that the GYB Model Secondary School in Nagazi represents a significant manifestation of his administration's commitment to nurturing a generation that is knowledgeable, possesses strong character, and has the capability to lead.
The governor remarked, "Today, we gather to empower generations yet unborn. We are establishing an identity for Kogi as a state that values knowledge, with an achievable ambition to become the nation's knowledge hub in the near future.
"We are dedicated to fostering critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and innovation, while strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to prepare our students as innovators, solution providers, and drivers of development."
The event, which drew dignitaries from various sectors of society both within and outside the state, including traditional rulers, also marked the commissioning of GYB model schools in Nagazi and Oke-Ibukun, located in Adavi and Kabba/Bunu local government areas, respectively.
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