KWSG Promises to Intervene in Ahman Pategi University's Crisis

The Kwara State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, has assured the management and staff of Ahman Pategi University of the State government’s swift intervention in the on-going crisis between the Institution and its host community in the Patigi Local Government Area of the State.

The Commissioner, stated this yesterday when receiving a delegation from the University, led by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Kazeem Alagbe Gbolagade, at her office in Ilorin, the State capital.

The Commissioner, emphasized that Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has created an enabling environment for businesses and private institutions, including universities, to thrive across the State.

According to her, the administration of Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is deeply committed to the welfare, protection of lives and property of the people of the State, saying that the Governor, has made substantial investments in the State's security architecture, including the provision of modern security gadgets, purchased patrol vehicles, and motorcycles for security operatives across all the 16 local government areas in the State. 

The Commissioner promised that the State government would not fold its arms and look  while a critical educational institution faces threats that could disrupt its academic calendar and operations.

Hajia Modibbo, however, assured that her Ministry will set up a fact-finding committee to engage all relevant stakeholders, including the university management, host community leaders, and security agencies, to investigate the circumstances and the remote causes of the crisis and recommend lasting solutions to the government.

The Commissioner who further reiterated the importance of maintaining a cordial relationship between the institutions and their host communities, noted that such synergy is vital for sustainability and peaceful coexistence among themselves.

Meanwhile, she stated that "we want our private institutions to flourish. The relationship with the host communities must be one of mutual respect and understanding."

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor, Gbolagade appealed to the State Government through the Commissioner to use her good office to quickly intervene in the incident, advising that something urgent need to be done with a view to arresting the situation before its escalation.

Professor Gbolagade, thereafter, revealed how the host community had demanded the resignation of all principal officers and the closure of the entire University, a move he said is capable of disrupting the entire  upcoming academic semester. 

Professor Gbolagade, recalled how thugs and hooligans had recently stormed the University campus, chased away security personnel and threatened to prevent staff members from accessing the premises.

“This is why we are here to seek for the support and assistance of the Kwara State Government, since the University is situated within its jurisdiction and we believe in the leadership and capacity of the State government to resolve this crisis",  Gbolagade said.

Ahman Pategi University, located in Patigi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, was established by the Late Politician and Former Member of the House of Representatives for Edu/Moro Federal Constituency.

Omotayo Ayanda 

Press Secretary,

MOTE

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