The Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, has revealed an ambitious plan to establish ten state-owned universities in the region by the year 2027.
The governor made this announcement while receiving the development group Think Lab, emphasizing that the initiative aims to empower and create job opportunities for the residents of Niger State.
Governor Bago expressed his administration’s commitment to revamping the education sector in the state, with a specific focus on benefiting the indigenes.
He highlighted ongoing projects, including the Abdulkadir Kure University, the University of Agriculture in Mokwa, the University of Technology in Zungeru, and another university of health sciences in Suleja.
“I’m very ambitious to have, between now and 2027, ten state-owned universities,” Governor Bago stated. “Niger State has the Abdulkadir Kure University ongoing, the University of Agriculture in Mokwa, the University of Technology in Zungeru, and also another university of health sciences in Suleja. These will be the four new universities that are coming on board. And others will follow soon.”
During the meeting, the governor revealed that Think Lab is sponsoring 10,000 students from public secondary schools in Niger state to take their Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 2024. Additionally, the development group is providing scholarships to 1,530 deserving students to pursue tertiary education.
“It will go down well in history that, as a CSR and within your six months in the state, you have been able to support 10,000 students for JAMB, NECO, and WAEC in 2024 and also given scholarships to 1,530 students to tertiary institutions,” Governor Bago commended Think Lab for its contributions.
Bago encouraged more companies to fulfill their corporate social responsibilities to promote progress in the education sector.
Said Kori, the chairman of Think Lab, affirmed the group’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation, aligning with the governor’s 2027 agenda.
He noted that the group has identified the top five final-year students from 306 public secondary schools in Niger state to receive priority focus, ensuring that deserving and talented individuals have opportunities to further their education and pursue their goals.
