Modibbo Kawu: Kwara Leads in Innovation, Accreditation, and Empowerment in Tertiary Education

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration continues to prioritize inclusive and innovative educational development, positioning Kwara State’s tertiary institutions as models of academic excellence with positive socio-economic impacts on citizens.

This was reaffirmed by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa'adatu Modibbo Kawu, during the 2025 first quarterly inter-ministerial press briefing, where a broad range of achievements across State-owned tertiary institutions were unveiled.

The Ministry, which oversees policy formulation, regulation, and development in the State’s tertiary education sector, reported landmark milestones aligned with the administration’s education reform agenda.

According to Hajia Modibbo Kawu, at the International Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurship College (IVTEC), Ajase-Ipo, the government sponsored 200 youths in Batch 8 of the Youths Empowerment and Employment Generation Scheme (KWYEEGS), reaffirming its commitment to practical, job-oriented education for young people.

She noted that the Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS), Ilorin, became the first in Nigeria to secure accreditation for diploma programmes in Mass Communication, Computer Science, and Islamic Common Law. “All six National Diploma programmes presented to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) were accredited, while the College earned a 100% pass rate in the TRCN re-accreditation exercise,” she added.

In line with efforts to expand access and foster innovation, the College introduced a Sandwich Degree Programme in partnership with the Kwara State University (KWASU), commenced hostel construction to boost internal revenue, and is preparing to launch online classes and outreach centres.

Other highlights include the installation of a 3,300KVA transformer, the establishment of a block-making industry, and the revitalization of the College Bulletin.

Modibbo Kawu further stated that the newly established Kwara State University of Education recorded the accreditation of 20 courses and secured listing on the JAMB admission portal, an essential step in its journey towards academic prominence.

Making reference to the International Aviation College, Ilorin, Modibbo Kawu said that 19 pilots, 10 military and 9 civilians, graduated during the quarter. The State also sponsored the international training of two aircraft engineers and one flight instructor in South Africa, further enhancing Kwara’s reputation in aviation training.

The Commissioner noted that the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has completed the long-abandoned 1,000-capacity multipurpose auditorium at the Kwara State Polytechnic and facilitated the completion and renovation of student hostels through TETFund. 

She said that new courses in Railway Engineering, Taxation, and Social Work were introduced, and several academic programmes received critical accreditations.

She added that the Polytechnic implemented the new minimum wage and established income-generating initiatives such as a commercial farm and  water production plant, and launched new CBT and medical diagnostic centres.

Speaking further, she highlighted that the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, held its 26th matriculation ceremony, maintaining its key role in public health education.

"At the College of Nursing Sciences, Oke-Ode, the administration introduced and secured accreditation for both ND and HND Nursing programmes, with the maiden ND Nursing students formally matriculated", she said.

Omotayo Ayanda

Press Secretary,

Min. of Tertiary Education .