Gov. AbdulRazaq Commended for Massive Investment in Education as KWCOED, Ilorin Receives NCCE Accreditation Team

The Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has been commended for his substantial investments in the education sector, particularly in revitalizing tertiary institutions across the State.

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, gave the commendation during a debriefing session with the visiting accreditation team from the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). The team was in the State for the 2025 accreditation exercise of the National Certificate in Education (NCE) at the Kwara State College of Education (KWCOED), Ilorin.

Hajia Modibbo Kawu noted that the 2025 accreditation exercise marks another significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reposition the tertiary education system for excellence and long-term sustainability in Kwara.

She emphasized that the current administration inherited a severely neglected system, plagued by a seven-month salary backlog and numerous unaccredited programmes across tertiary institutions. 

According to her, Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration had cleared the outstanding salaries and paid over one billion naira owed to staff by the previous administration.“What we met on the ground was terrible, something no human being could fix within just a few years. It could take decades. But the Governor has shown strong leadership and commitment to education. He is a listening leader, passionate about the development of every sector, especially education," she said.

The Commissioner lauded the NCCE accreditation team for their honest and detailed assessment of the college, describing their report as a reflection of professionalism and a source of hope for the future of the country. "I want to commend you not only for highlighting the college’s strengths but also for providing an objective review of its challenges.You have done a thorough job. This report is not just a routine exercise; it sends a strong message that we still have professionals who believe in truth and progress. I find hope for our country in this,” she added.

Hajia Modibbo Kawu further assured the team that the government had already taken steps to address the identified gaps, including the setting up of a special task team in December last year, whose recommendations are currently being implemented.

The Acting Provost of the college, Dr. Ayinde Shehu Jawondo, expressed deep appreciation to Governor AbdulRazaq for his timely intervention, which he said saved the institution from total collapse.

“If you had visited us earlier, it would have been a sad story. We were on the brink, but the Governor rescued us,” he remarked.He also thanked the accreditation team for their fairness and friendly disposition, pledging that the college would continue to work diligently to improve in the areas highlighted.

The Head of the NCCE accreditation team, Mrs. Chibuzor Ekuwonye, commended the college for its strength in technical education and acknowledged the progress made.

However, she noted that the report presented was preliminary and subject to final approval by NCCE management before official release. She urged the management of the college to address the identified weaknesses to create a more conducive teaching and learning environment for both staff and students.

Earlier, Dr. Otuniyi, a member of the accreditation team, explained that the assessment covered two components: Institutional Accreditation and Programme Accreditation. He stated that the team evaluated leadership, management, and student support systems, and that both strengths and areas for improvement would be reflected in the final report. He specifically called for urgent attention to be given to the Directorate of Quality Assurance.

In his vote of thanks, Dr. Ben Udoh, another team member, expressed gratitude to the Kwara State Government for its investment in the college and commended the institution’s management for their warm hospitality during the exercise.

Omotayo Ayanda 

Press Secretary,

MOTE

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