The Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello has reaffirmed his Government’s support for Federal University Lokoja (FUL), in ensuring that the University performs its tripartite roles and achieve the vision of its founding fathers. The Governor made the commitment when Members of the 3^rd Governing Council of the University, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Chris Iheanyichukwu Adighije Ph.D, paid him a courtesy visit on Friday, 25^th September, 2020 at the Government House, Lokoja.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Angela Freeman Miri, while introducing Members of the newly constituted Governing Council of Federal University Lokoja, thanked His Excellency for the warm reception accorded them.

Governor Bello described the Chairman of Council as his father, mentor, and role model, and was his boss when he was a staff at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, where he (Senator Adighije) served as Federal Commissioner representing Abia State. According to the Governor, the Pro-Chancellor took exceptional interest in him and treated him like his son, and in March, 2014 when his late mother was kidnapped and spent 93 days in captivity before her release, Senator Chris Adighije, again, provided a shoulder for him to lean on.

The Governor appreciated Members of the 3^rd Governing Council for the visit and congratulated them on their respective appointments. He expressed utmost confidence in Senator Chris Adighije’s ability to lead the University Governing Council to success. “There is no doubt in my mind that you are going to perform excellently well, considering the track record you left in the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission. I am one of the beneficiaries of your kind heartedness and your thoroughness to ensure that quality is delivered in any task that is given to you. I am well tutored by you and I know that the Council and the University Community will gain largely from your wealth of experience and knowledge,” the Governor said.

While commending the Vice-Chancellor for her laudable achievements and contributions to the growth of the University, the Governor described her as a wonderful woman who has maintained a good working relationship with the State Government since her assumption of office in February, 2016. The Governor praised her for always making herself available to undertake any task for the State Government whenever she was called upon, which she does dispassionately, and never said she was answerable to the Federal Government alone. Governor Bello specially thanked the Vice-Chancellor for her selfless service, dedication and unwavering commitment to the development of the Institution under her watch. The Governor said that he felt sad that she will be leaving soon, having served out her tenure successfully, which will end in February, 2021.

The Governor reiterated his Government’s determination in ensuring that quality education at all levels is delivered to the people of the State. He highlighted the efforts of his Administration aimed at promoting and making sure that education is accessible to its citizenry.

In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, distinguished Senator Chris Adighije, on behalf of the Governing Council also expressed appreciation to the State Government for its support to the University since inception. He noted that Members of the 3^rd Governing Council were excited to be called upon to serve and contribute to the development of the University, assuring the Governor that they would give their best and collaborate with the State Government in making sure that FUL remains a blessing to the State and contribute to the overall development of our dear nation.

The Council Chairman used the opportunity to make some requests to the Governor which include: to facilitate and fast-track the issuance of Title Deed of Ownership to the land allocated to the University at the Felele Campus (Permanent Site) - to enable the commencement of the solar electrification project, an intervention by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), payment of compensation to the host community whose vast land was donated to the University, amongst others.

Earlier, Senator Adighije on behalf of the Governing Council and the University Management commiserated with the Governor and the good people of Kogi State over the ill-fated petrol tanker explosion that claimed many lives at Felele on the 23^rd September, 2020, following which the Governor requested that a minute silence be observed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the tragic incidence.

High point of the event was a group photograph by Members of the 3^rd Governing Council with the State Governor and Members of his cabinet. Click here for more pictures