Magazine Publisher Appeals for Improved Funding of Education Sector in Kogi

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Publisher of ‘The Policy And Lawmakers Magazine’, Friday Ogungbemi has appealed to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to consider increase funding of the education sector in Kogi state

Ogungbemi made the passionate appeal in a statement extended to Journalists in Lokoja on Thursday.

He said the call has become necessary to enable appropriate educational agencies effectively carry out their constitutional functions and roles as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Adequate funding of the education sector will no doubt facilitate provision of basic infrastructure, learning materials, and recruitment of qualified teachers

“I urge the Kogi State government to redefine and prioritize education, to boost effective learning and teaching at all levels

“The current astronomical increase of over 100% in the tuition fees of students in Kogi-owned tertiary institutions is another straw that breaks the Camel’s back and elicits serious concerns.

“These astronomical increases in tuition fees will make life difficult and unbearable for the students from struggling backgrounds as they will definitely find it difficult to cope with the payment.

“This development, will not only amount to denying them their fundamental rights to education but dash their hope for a brighter tomorrow.

“There is therefore, urgent call for the state government’s intervention, to subject the new tuition fees to review in consideration of the present economic state of the people.

“The institutions include:-
1. Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba
2. Confluence University of Science Technology (CUSTECH), Osara.
3. Kogi State University (KSU), Kabba.
4. Kogi State Polytechnic (KSP), Lokoja”