Bago admits education challenges, sees hope in new varsity

The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has said the newly inaugurated Federal College of Education, Kontagora, would fill the gap of shortage of qualified teachers in the country.

Bago commended the federal government’s foresight for the official inauguration of the University, saying it underscores the importance of the university and the critical role education plays not just in the local community but across the nation.

The governor made this known on Wednesday during the official inauguration of the Federal University of Education, Kontagora, where he expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for their dedication to advancing education in Nigeria.

A statement on the inauguration signed by the governor’s special adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, and made available to PUNCH Online on Thursday stated that the governor affirmed that the upgrade of the institution to a Federal University of Education would significantly impact the educational landscape of Niger State and Nigeria as a whole. “This university is a beacon of hope, promising to shape the future of our nation by training well-equipped educators who will inspire generations,” the governor stated.

Bago, who was represented at the event by the Special Adviser Governance and Reform, Isah Adamu, said, “Let me commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for their dedication to advancing education in Nigeria.

“The upgrade of the institution to a Federal University of Education will significantly impact the educational landscape of Niger State and Nigeria as a whole. “This university is a beacon of hope and promises to shape the future of our nation by training well-equipped educators who will inspire generations.

“The new institution is not only an academic citadel but also a hub for intellectual growth, research, and innovation. It is designed to produce high-quality educators who will strengthen the nation’s educational system and address the evolving needs of classrooms nationwide. By investing in teacher education, we are investing in the future of our communities and the prosperity of Nigeria,” he said.

While acknowledging the existing challenges in Nigeria’s education sector, such as inadequate infrastructure and limited resources, Bago expressed optimism that the inauguration of the university was a significant step towards overcoming these obstacles, adding that the institution would open doors for quality education, capacity-building, and the development of educators who would make a meaningful impact on society.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, noted that President Tinubu’s administration prioritized education, making it a thematic area. He added that it was the foundation for social transformation and development.

According to Sununu, the global shortage of teachers was a major concern, which, he said, was why the government was establishing more institutions dedicated to training teachers, aiming to fill the gaps created by brain drain.

He urged students to take advantage of the student loan program to support their education, stressing that financial constraints should not prevent any student from completing his studies.