Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education, describing sustained investment in tertiary institutions as a key driver of youth empowerment and state development.
He made the remarks at the 13th Convocation Ceremony of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, where he encouraged graduating students to view their degrees as tools for service and innovation rather than merely personal advancement. He was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu.
Congratulating the graduands, parents, and university management, AbdulRazaq described the ceremony as a celebration of resilience and excellence, noting KWASU’s success in producing responsible citizens and future leaders.
“Our administration remains committed to repositioning the education sector for greatness. KWASU has benefited immensely from this renewed focus on academic growth and infrastructural expansion,” the governor said.
He highlighted the establishment of the Osi Campus and the completion of the Ilesha-Baruba Campus as major milestones that have expanded the university’s reach across the state, enhancing opportunities for research, innovation, and community development.
AbdulRazaq also noted investments in modern learning facilities, digital tools, and research support systems to prepare students for global competitiveness, while policies promoting academic stability have positioned Kwara as an emerging education hub.
The governor further emphasized strategic partnerships between KWASU and initiatives such as the Kwara Innovation Hub and the Sugar Factory Film Studio, describing them as critical for nurturing talent and fostering entrepreneurship.
Addressing the graduates directly, he urged them to rise above mediocrity and focus on solving societal problems. “Your education is not merely a certificate; it is a responsibility to make meaningful contributions to your communities and to the nation. The world needs solution providers, not spectators,” he said.
University leaders praised the governor for his consistent support. Chancellor Engr. Dr. Johnson Bamidele Adewumi credited AbdulRazaq for the establishment of new campuses and a state-of-the-art facility for medical training, while Pro-Chancellor Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali lauded the government’s role in strengthening academic and training capacity.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh encouraged the 8,119 graduands—including 82 First Class degree holders, as well as Master’s and PhD recipients—to embrace optimism, resilience, and service to humanity, urging them to remain ambassadors of KWASU’s values as they enter professional life.
The convocation, attended by government officials, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries, marked another milestone in KWASU’s growth as a center for higher education and innovation-driven development in Kwara State.
