Education minister Tunji Alausa inaugurated two model science secondary schools in Kogi on Monday and commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for advancing education.

Mr Alausa inaugurated the GYB Model Science Secondary Schools in Nagazi, Adavi local council, and Okebukun, Kabba-Bunu council area. He called the projects a testament to the governor’s visionary leadership and dedication to transforming the education sector.

The minister also praised key initiatives of the state government, including its free education policy, payment of external examination fees and the establishment of three fully accredited universities. He said the state allocated over 30 per cent of its annual budget to education, surpassing the UNESCO-recommended 26 per cent benchmark.

“Your Excellency, I commend your visionary leadership and commitment to repositioning education as a central pillar of development. This project is not just a school, but a symbol of hope and a deliberate investment in the future of our young people,” he said.

Mr Alausa further lauded the state’s efforts to promote equity and expand access to quality education. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for ongoing reforms in the sector, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

According to him, more than 1 million students have benefited from loans totalling over N1.1 billion, while over 160,000 youths have been trained in digital skills.

The minister said the federal government was prioritising science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, as well as technical and vocational training, and digitalisation.

He urged students to take advantage of available opportunities, assuring them of the federal government’s continued support.

Mr Ododo commended the minister and the President for their commitment to reforms in the education sector, describing education as the foundation of societal progress.

“Today marks a defining step in securing Kogi’s future through purposeful investment in education,” he said.

The governor said that the schools were equipped with modern facilities, including 18 classrooms, science laboratories and a 326-capacity computer-based test centre.

He added that the institution, with the capacity to accommodate over 1,700 students, would promote quality education, uniform standards and acquisition of 21st-century skills.

Mr Ododo also credited improved state revenue to the federal government’s economic reforms, which he said had enabled the execution of critical projects. He further acknowledged the contribution of his predecessor, former Governor Yahaya Bello, for initiating the Mega Schools Initiative.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.

“The future belongs to those who prepare for it with purpose,” he said.