Opinion

Blackmail, scandal and the Augean stable of university education in Nigeria

Published

4 months ago

January 10, 2024

By Bolanle Bolawole

Recently, an undercover reporter blew open the scandal of overseas university education and its deleterious effect on our educational system and national development. But it is not as if we have not always been aware that many of the certificates brought home from abroad by our folks are sub-standard and do not compare to any acquired at home. For anyone who has travelled in neighbouring Benin Republic and Togo, many of the one-bedroom-flat universities there are ramshackle and the quality of education they offer leaves much to be desired. Same applies to some extent even in Ghana. Many simply go there to acquire certificates which they return here to flaunt for prestige purposes. Lazy students whose parents have excess money to spare prefer these so-called institutions where they get on a platter what serious students elsewhere sweat it out to acquire. I have seen graduates of some of those institutions who could not write a simple letter. One such graduate that I even tried, without knowing the truth, to get enlisted in the NYSC failed serially to compose a simple letter. She claimed to have spent three years in a university in Benin Republic to study Business Administration! For years she failed to scale that simple hurdle but many of her classmates who were well connected, according to her, got promptly admitted to the NYSC without even writing any letter! They must be working in some highbrow MDAs or blue-chip private companies by now!

The O’ Level result itself that many of these students use to gain admission is suspect. Another one that I knew attended the Nigerian campus of a university in Benin Republic and was admitted to study Nursing without Chemistry! Nigeria places much emphasis on paper qualifications; that is why. Politicians and entertainers are known to covet certificates they do not merit for prestige purposes and as status symbols. Persons who got awarded doctorate degree honoris causa are quick to begin to address themselves as “Doctor” All manner of institutions award doctorate degrees these days and in all manner of funny courses or disciplines. We must begin to de-emphasize the undue value we place on paper qualifications. We must also begin to encourage our students to study at home for many reasons. One: What education tourism costs this country is enormous. Such money ploughed into the education sector here will do the system a world of good. Two: The “Japa” syndrome is further accentuated by education tourism and the brain drain that this represents is an enormous depletion of the manpower needed for national development. Three: The cultural dimension of the loss suffered when our youths are disconnected from their roots, its values and traditions in early age cannot be over-emphasized. Many of them find it difficult to fit again into our society, even as they struggle to belong to the foreign culture and society that discriminates against them. They lose both ways.

But it is not all foreign education that is bad! Countries like China, India, etc. plan the direction and focus of the foreign education they allow their citizens to be exposed to. I am not sure you will find their students in Benin and Togo; studying what? Now that the Federal Government has woken up very late to tackle this menace, it has, characteristically, taken a knee-jerk approach, throwing the baby away with the bath water. A blanket ban on degrees from Benin, Togo, Kenya, Uganda and other places is not the best approach. Are we saying there are no quality universities in these countries? What of the students in those universities whose standard compares favourably with ours? The innocent must not be allowed to suffer with the guilty. Corruption within the system here – at the Federal Ministry of Education and the NYSC – is at the roots of this problem. In Nigeria, for instance, we have the National Universities Commission that has the data on the universities here; a similar system should operate in other countries and we should be able to have a reliable database of quality universities in every country of the world. Such information should be on the website of the NUC, the Federal Ministry of Education, NYSC, etc. And such websites should be operational, updated regularly and not maintained only for the purpose of siphoning budgetary allocations.

In those days, foreign students and lecturers flooded our universities; no more! I remember I was taught at Ife and Ibadan by some of them. Our universities were well rated internationally then. We have lost those lofty heights now. If a fraction of what we lose to education tourism is ploughed back into our universities, we shall begin to regain the glory of the past. We must stem the tide of brain drain. We must also implement the FG\ASUU Memorandum of Understanding. It takes a Federal Government that sets its priorities right to do that. Unfortunately, the 2024 budget promises no such thing. The FG has correctly jettisoned IPPIS; next, it must accord full autonomy to the universities and the universities must not abuse the autonomy so accorded. It is in the area of abuse that many are apprehensive of the capacity and capability of our universities to ride the storm. Corruption and abuse of office; conflict of interest and tin-God mentality are rampant in our universities. So, will autonomy, if and when granted, not go ga-ga like I once wondered?

Law graduates, but not lawyers

Two recent events are worth recalling here. A professional colleague called me to complain that his son who graduated in Law from one of the universities run by a Christian Mission was yet to proceed to the Law School two years after. The boy was asked to go for the NYSC to while away time; he did. That done, there was no word on when he would be called to the Law School. There are hundreds of such Law graduates all over the place. I made enquiries. What is the problem? Is it over admission? Or is it Accreditation problems? Mum has been the word from the universities concerned. I attend JAMB’s stakeholders’ meetings; the shenanigans of the egg-heads of our institutions of higher learning will shock you. But for the forthrightness of the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the admission system will be nothing to write home about. Between the vile elements engaged in examination malpractice and the university authorities playing monkey games with university admission and administration, I wouldn’t know who is more condemnable. Block one loophole, they immediately dig another! After parents paid through the nose and students burned the midnight candle to study and pass their examinations, why should they be denied the progression they deserve? Why are the Law graduates not going to the Law School? This is one instance when silence is not golden. So, the authorities concerned should speak!

Stalking Achievers University, Owo

The other event is that of a stalker that chose, of all private universities, to stalk Achievers University, Owo. Who sent him? And what is the mission? Investigations have been conducted; his identity is no longer a mystery. He goes by the name Feranmi Oyedele; born on August 2nd and claimed to have attended Olabisi Onabanjo University between 2018 and 2022, graduating with B. Sc. Physiology degree. He described himself variously as “Freelance Blogger”, “Content Writer” and “a passionate wordsmith and polity enthusiast” For “all those interested in advertising” on his platform, he gave his email as academic[at]gmail.com or bayo[at]academicful.com and mailing address as 20 Adeniran Ogunsanya Street 101241, Ikeja, Lagos. In one of the photographs on his platform, he wore an English suit; in the other, he was fully kitted in the NYSC attire. According to investigations, he was still serving in the NYSC as of November last year. His offensive publication read: “Top 14 Nigerian universities to avoid in 2024” among which he mischievously listed Achievers University, Owo. How can a university be “top,” yet, must be avoided? As if recanting, he then omitted Achievers University from another list he compiled as “13 Nigerian universities with lower (sic) NUC rankings (sic)” As can be seen from just the headline alone, the grammar of this self-acclaimed “passionate wordsmith” is poor! In a demonstration of his bad faith, even though he deleted Achievers University from his “13 Nigerian universities with bla-bla-bla “ he has neglected to pull down his other “Top 14 Nigerian universities bla-bla-bla.”

My grouse? These are the kind of “writers” that the unsuspecting public and those who cannot differentiate fake, quackery, and pretenders from the original and the professional mistake for journalists. They are the ones ruining the profession for true professionals and making our learning and decades of hard work and toil come to nought. They are also the ones giving social media a bad name, despite its innumerable contributions to the advancement of knowledge and societal development. Certainly, the guy mentioned here cannot be alone in the perpetration of such sordid acts. They must be investigated. And must be made to account for their crimes. In view of recent developments of certificate racketeering, their claim to scholarship must be investigated by the relevant institutions and authorities. Also, the NYSC must take interest in anyone wearing its uniforms, especially those suspected to have committed a crime.

Only last week, a list of some alleged “100 fake professors” in some Nigerian universities trended widely and wildly on social media but the NUC and four of the ranking universities so named – Redeemer’s University, Covenant University, University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan – have come out to describe the publication as satanic. Why this campaign of calumny against some of our leading universities? Readers must be familiar with my write-ups on Achievers University, Owo. I have attended in a row at least its last five convocation ceremonies and have witnessed its meteoric rise and growth in leaps and bounds. Many will be surprised to know that Achievers University is the first private university in the old Ondo State (made up now of Ondo and Ekiti states). It commenced academic activities on 2 April, 2008. In this wise, it is senior to Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (owned by legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola), Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin (owned by business mogul, Chief Ade Ojo), Wesley University of Science and Technology and Sam Maris University, both in Ondo Town.

Achievers University is listed as one of Nigeria’s 10 best private universities, out of 120. There is no way such a university should be so harshly and unjustifiably put down like this blogger, a Youth Corper as at last November, tried (though unsuccessfully) to do. Whose interest is this blogger serving? I was there last December at the university’s convocation when the Registrar, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, who, impressed with the facilities on ground, increased the university’s quota for Nursing students from 175 to 250. The acting VC, Prof. Mrs. Omolola O. Irinoye, is a professor of Nursing from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. I was pleasantly surprised to find my friend, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, on Achievers University staff list. Akinterinwa was Chairman of the Editorial Board of This Day newspaper and Director-General of the prestigious Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, among others. Achievers University Faculty and facilities compare favourably with the best anywhere in the country. I am happy not just because this university is in my home town but also because it has quality. Achievers University held its 13th convocation last December. The university has matriculated 17 sets of students and graduated 13 sets.

Achievers University is fully operating at its permanent site with over 3,500 students and 800 staff. It currently offers 38 programmes at the undergraduate level and 10 programmes at the postgraduate level. These are: COLLEGE OF SOCIAL AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES (COSMAS) – (1) Accounting: Established in 2007/2008 Academic Session as one of the pioneer programmes, Accounting enjoys full accreditation of NUC and ICAN and runs PGD, M.Sc. and Ph.D. at Postgraduate level. (2) Business Administration: Established in 2007/2008 academic session as one of the pioneer programmes, enjoys interim accreditation at undergraduate level but full accreditation at PGD, MBA, M.Sc. and Ph.D. levels (3) International Relations: Also established in 2007/2008 academic session as one of the pioneer programmes, enjoys full accreditation of NUC and runs PGD, M.Sc. and Ph.D. at Postgraduate level. (4) Political Science: Also established in 2007/2008 Academic Session as a pioneer programme, enjoys full accreditation of NUC and runs PGD, M.Sc. and Ph.D. at Postgraduate level. (5) Economics: Also a pioneer programme established in 2007/2008 academic session enjoys full accreditation of NUC. (6) Criminology and Security Studies: Established in 2015/2016 Academic Session, enjoys full accreditation of NUC and runs PGD, M.Sc. and Ph.D. at Postgraduate level. (7) Mass Communication: Established in 2015/2016 academic session, enjoys full accreditation of NUC. (8) Sociology: Established in 2015/2016 academic session, got its first intake in 2020/2021 and due for accreditation visit. (9) Public Administration: Established in 2015/2016 academic session, got its first intake in 2020/2021 and due for accreditation visit.

Achievers University runs four Colleges; namely: COLLEGE OF NATURAL AND APPLIED NATURAL SCIENCES (CONAS), with the following Departments: (1) Microbiology: Established in 2007/2008 academic session as one of the pioneer programmes, enjoys full accreditation of NUC. (2) Biochemistry: Also a pioneer programme established in 2007/2008 academic session enjoys full accreditation of NUC and runs PGD, M.Sc. and Ph.D. at Postgraduate level. (3) Industrial Chemistry: One of the pioneer programmes established in the 2007/2008 academic session, enjoys full accreditation of NUC. It runs PGD, M.Sc. and Ph. D. at Postgraduate level. (4) Computer Science: A pioneer programme established in 2007/2008 academic session, enjoys full accreditation of the NUC and runs PGD, M.Sc. and Ph. D. at Postgraduate level. (5) Geology: Established in 2011/2012 Academic Session, enjoys full accreditation of NUC. (6) Plant Science and Biotechnology: Established in 2020/2021 academic session, due now for accreditation. COLLEGE OF LAW (COL): The College awards Bachelor of Laws (LL.B). Established in the 2017/2018 academic session, enjoys full accreditation of NUC and Council of Legal Education.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (COET) runs the following courses: (1) Computer Engineering: Established in 2016/2017 academic session, enjoys full accreditation of both NUC and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). (2) Biomedical Engineering: Established in 2016/2017 academic session, enjoys full accreditation of both the NUC and COREN. (3) Mechatronics Engineering: Established in 2016/2017 academic session, enjoys full accreditation* of both NUC and COREN. (4) Electrical and Electronics Engineering: Established in 2016/2017 academic session, the programme enjoys full accreditation of the NUC and COREN. (5) Civil & Environmental Engineering: Established in 2022/23 academic session and is not due for re-accreditation until November 2025. (6) Mechanical Engineering: Established in 2022/2023 academic session and not due for re-accreditation until November 2025.

There is also the College of Basic Health Sciences (COBHS) which runs the following courses: (1) Medical Laboratory Science: Established as one of the pioneer programmes in 2007/2008 academic session, it enjoys full accreditation of both the NUC and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria. It runs PGD, M. Sc. and Ph. D. programmes at the Postgraduate level. (2) Nursing Science: Established in 2015/2016 academic session, enjoys full accreditation of NUC and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. It runs PGDN, M. Sc. and Ph. D. at Postgraduate level. (3) Public Health: Established in 2020/2021 academic session, and was due for accreditation in November 2023. (4) Human Anatomy: Established in 2020/2021 Academic Session, due for accreditation in November 2023. (5) Human Physiology: Established in 2020/2021 academic session, due for accreditation in November 2023.

On 1st December last year, the NUC approved the following additional programmes for the university: (1) Medicine and Surgery (2) Pharmacy (3) Physiotherapy (4) Health Information Management (5) Banking and Finance (6) Procurement Management (7) Library & Information Science (8) Remote Sensing and Geoscience Information System (9) Guidance and Counselling (10) Chemistry Education and (11) Biology Education. Little wonder, then, that Achievers University is ranked among the best universities in the country by the relevant authorities.

To arrest the scourge of worthless paper certificates from across the border as well as cause the drain on our resources through education tourism to abate, home-based universities doing well must be encouraged. Away with Pull Him Down syndrome!

Bolawole is a Former Editor of Punch newspapers and a public affairs analyst on radio and television.

Related Topics:Blackmail Bolanle Bolawole scandal University Education.

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Opinion

Defining policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first year in office

Published

3 hours ago

May 21, 2024

NewsDirect

By Kenechukwu Aguolu FCA, PMP, CBAP

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approaches the first anniversary of his administration, Nigerians reflect on the impact of his “Renewed Hope” agenda. While some citizens are optimistic about his capacity to bring about significant changes, others maintain a stance of indifference or skepticism. Notably, two major and contentious policies—namely, the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira—have defined his tenure so far.

The rationale behind the removal of fuel subsidy was that Nigeria could no longer sustain the financial burden of subsidising fuel. By ending the subsidy regime, the government aimed to free up funds for investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Fuel Subsidy removal led to an immediate sharp increase in fuel prices, which also led to a rise in the cost of living. Commuting expenses skyrocketed, making it hard for many workers to afford daily transportation. The higher fuel prices have also significantly contributed to food inflation, making necessities increasingly unaffordable for many Nigerians

Federal government employees received wage awards as a temporary relief measure. However, the promise of a new national minimum wage remains unfulfilled, adding to the financial stress of many households. State governments also provided wage awards at varying rates, but these have been insufficient to offset the increased cost of living. The delay in the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, expected to alleviate transportation costs, has further compounded the problem.

As part of efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s economy, President Tinubu directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to float the naira, allowing market forces to determine its value. Though anticipated to cause short-term volatility, it is expected to lead to a more stable and realistic exchange rate in the long run. The floating of the naira has led to significant foreign exchange losses for many companies, particularly multinationals, which reported losses running into hundreds of millions of naira. The cost of doing business has increased, with higher prices for diesel, raw materials, machinery, and spare parts, creating a challenging environment for businesses of all sizes.

However, the Federal Government must be commended for clearing its foreign currency backlogs, which has boosted confidence among foreign investors, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s appeal as a global investment hub. Consequently, there has been an increase in both foreign direct investment and foreign portfolio investment. Also commendable are the palliative measures implemented by the government. Conditional cash transfers have provided some relief, and the distribution of grains and foodstuffs has aimed to support vulnerable populations struggling with food inflation. However, some people doubt the actual impact of these initiatives, questioning their effectiveness and the potential for corruption. Additionally, intervention programs such as a student loan scheme and a consumer credit scheme for workers are about to commence, aiming to provide further support and economic opportunities.

Furthermore, the commencement of operations at the Dangote Refinery has sparked optimism, as its production has already resulted in lower diesel prices. Anticipation runs high for a similar decrease in petrol (PMS) prices once the refinery commences PMS production. This development is a potential catalyst for transformation in Nigeria’s energy sector and the broader economy. Moreover, it is expected to contribute to stabilising the naira by enhancing the country’s balance of trade.

Nevertheless, as Nigerians persevere through the immediate challenges posed by these economic adjustments, urgent measures must be taken to rebuild public confidence and enhance living standards. Establishing a fair and sustainable minimum wage is paramount. Additionally, fulfilling the promise of introducing CNG buses would greatly alleviate the transportation expenses of citizens.

In his inaugural year, President Tinubu has made bold, albeit controversial, choices geared toward securing Nigeria’s economic future. The removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira applauded by international bodies like the IMF, has led to significant hardship for ordinary Nigerians. Nigerians are eager to see tangible improvements in their daily lives, hoping that the long-term benefits promised by President Tinubu will soon outweigh the short-term difficulties. As his administration progresses, striking a balance between providing immediate relief and implementing sustainable economic reforms will be crucial in realizing the renewed hope envisioned for Nigeria

Kenechukwu based in Abuja can be reached via [email protected]

Opinion

Mr Olabode Gabriel Omowayeola: A cut above the rest

Published

1 day ago

May 20, 2024

NewsDirect

Mr Olabode is a cut above the rest, and so is the University of Ibadan where our path first crossed.

He was doing a Master’s degree programme at the time. His focus level while reading a huge book in the library reminded me of a scientist investigating a piece of matter under a microscope. That was the first point of attraction.

Mr Olabode is a different breed of Philomath who loves cross-border education even more than a monkey loves banana. From the University of Ibadan, he proceeded to Uskudar University Turkey where he studied Turkish language and Literature.

I relied on the far-reaching, long arm of coincidence to cross our paths for the second stint, and Oh Sweet Goodness, we crossed paths again at Uskudar University Turkey – sumptuous camaraderie! We spoke Turkish language; ‘Merhaba, seninle tekrar tanýþtýðýma memnun oldum’ meaning ‘Hello, nice to meet you again.’

Again, at Istanbul Kultur University Turkey, it was a ray of sunshine as we crossed our paths for the third stinct. This time, it was for a Master’s degree programme in International Relations and Government.

Like a piece of iron on a magnet, we not only went in the same direction, but shared the spoils as the overall best students.

As yearning as the deer for running streams, Mr Olabode’s yearning for knowledge and career advancement is in the zone – he proceeded to Memorial University of Newfoundland Canada as a research student of Political Science.

He stands tall amidst the massive collection of researchers of International Relations and Political Science in terms of contribution to new knowledge.

On the humanitarian side, Mr Olabode is as satisfying as a glass of chill water after a marathon.

He reminds me of the biblical seed that fell on a rich soil. Blind people who encounter him are able to climb the Iroko tree with their hands in pocket – a practically inspirational genius of the 21st century.

Cheers on your annibirthsary!

Jamesleo Oche, Researcher, Cranfield University, British Defence Academy, England, United Kingdom

Opinion

Dapo Abiodun: After five phenomenal years, three glorious years beckon

Published

1 day ago

May 20, 2024

NewsDirect

By Kayode Akinmade

He came into office amid ceaseless assaults by a violent Establishment. He had no handover notes. But he had an agenda, a steely resolve, and a burning passion to transform the Ogun environment. Today, five years on, even the most cynical observer would admit that the Iperu-born prince and boardroom genius has turned the Gateway State around, infused a climate of excitement into governance and state management, building joy and hope for the future in the populace. This is remarkable in a country long hobbled by politicians’ failed promises.

Perhaps the most salient aspect of Abioduns’ leadership is the climate of peace actively fostered in the state. Peace pervades the length and breadth of the land because the Sheriff in charge is determined to leave a lasting legacy of life-changing projects behind, and would not be drawn into political brawls even when a predecessor, taking advantage of the calm in the land, tours the senatorial districts, staging hate campaigns. That is not by accident. Abiodun is a transformational leader, and transformational leaders, as the leadership expert and presidential biographer James MacGregor Burns tells us, are those who, in company with their followers, advance to a higher level of morals and motivation. The fact cannot be disputed that through the strength of their vision and personality, transformational leaders inspire their followers to a higher level of intellectual stimulation, and hence social change.

Against this backdrop, Ogun being rated as Nigeria’s most peaceful state comes as no surprise. People tend to copy what they see their leaders doing. Ogun people have not forgotten the highly instructive incident that took place shortly after their Governor assumed office. Some pastors of the RCCG had been kidnapped while he was away in Abuja on official business. Given the viciousness of the outlaws, hope was low regarding their rescue. But the Governor simply requested for and obtained helicopters for aerial surveillance of the target area, and all the clergymen were rescued unhurt. Jubilations erupted in many places…

The Abiodun administration initiated the Security Trust Fund, rallying stakeholders to contribute to the fight against crime. It procured over 100 patrol vans, motorcycles, walkie-talkies, and other security equipment to enhance the operational efficiency of security agencies. Then came an additional 25 patrol vans and surveillance drones in collaboration with Lagos and Oyo States to monitor activities along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. And then came Amotekun, deployed at flashpoints…

Because Ogun is calm, the strides in agriculture, the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, have been simply phenomenal. Through the Anchor Borrowers Programme, the Abiodun administration has revolutionized youth involvement in agriculture. It created the Ogun State Investment Promotion Agency (OGUNIPA) and the Ogun State Business Executive Council (OGUNBEC) to make the Gateway State the destination of choice for investors. The administration empowered thousands of farmers through training, capacity building and provision of farming inputs, and Ogun is now a leading producer of rice, maize, and cassava in Nigeria. The story cannot be different with Abiodun’s heavy investment in the development of agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, farm roads, and storage facilities.

When a government fosters partnerships with private sector players, attracting investments and driving growth; implements initiatives to improve livestock production, including the distribution of breeding stock, veterinary support, and establishment of grazing reserves, the result is bound to be refreshing.

The Abiodun administration has strengthened extension services, providing farmers with access to expert advice, technology, and best practices to improve their productivity and efficiency. It has supported farmers to produce high-quality products and linked them to markets and processors. It has created thousands of jobs in the agricultural sector, having developed and implemented policies like the Ogun State Agricultural Policy and the Ogun State Livestock Development Policy. There is no space to detail the government’s empowerment of farmers with solar pump machines; the N50 million Ijebu Development Initiative for Poverty Reduction (Eriwe) meant to develop the fish subsector in the state; the empowerment of over 40,000 agripreneurs in cassava cultivation, or the distribution of motorcycles to extension agents to reach farmers in remote areas across the state.

In education, the abolition of all levies spiked enrolment in primary schools, even as the government adopted a school per ward for development as a model school. The promotion of teachers and equipment of schools and higher institutions and revolution of the transcript processing system has restored dignity to Ogun schools. And among the giant strides of the Abiodun administration, the Gateway International Airport, an agro-cargo facility situated in Remo North, has garnered global attention, with dignitaries and investors expressing interest in its immense socio-economic benefits. It will generate approximately 50,000 direct and indirect jobs. Fittingly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the Special Agro-Cargo Processing Zone as a Free Trade Zone. Actually, what is on the ground is an airport city, with an agricultural processing zone located close by. Exporters of farming produce are about to experience an absolute windfall.

Although the state of federal roads—and they are so many—in the state presented challenges during Abiodun’s first term, the story is fast changing. Go to Ota and see things for yourself. In any case, listing the roads constructed by the Abiodun administration is a daunting exercise. Infrastructure is the first pillar of the ISEYA mantra but accorded it a top priority attention in the scheme of programmes being executed. Notable among these roads already completed are the 3.41km Olomore Sanni Road,0.9km Elega Mokola Bridge Entrance, 2km Idi -Aba Elite, Oke Lantoro Road, 1.62km Ijaiye-Oke Ejigbo-Iporo Ake Road,7.8km Obantoko Road (Fajol America junction-Unity Estate Gbonagun, 5.7km Somorin-Kemta Idi -Aba Road, 42km Abeokuta Sagamu Expressway, 3km Panseke Adigbe Road, 6.6km Siun Owode Road, 2.35km Arepo Road,8km Revised s Scope Mowe Ofada Road, 1.5km Kuforiji Olubi Quarry Road Adigbe and 1.85km Iyana Oloke junction to Mapoly School Gate. Then we have the 3.1km Ikoritameje Adenrele/Olose Titun Vespa Road,2.4km Olusegun Osoba Toyin Agbado Road,1.5km construction of Sango Ota -Oke -Aro-Ojodu Abiodun Road Lagos End(Yakoyo to Mr Bigg),2.0km Inner Roads,Itori Junction Road, 4km Oba Erinwole Road,Sagamu,13km Sagamu -Ode Lemo Road,3km Idarika Street Road,8km Orile Oko Road,3km Awujale Road,Stadium and Oke Aje,1.2km Ogbagba Street, Ijebu Ode, etc. The Atan-Lusada-Agbara roads are a marvel. Housing estates covering different strata of society complement the good roads.

Enter the health sector, a sector for which even the Federal Government acknowledged Ogun’s exemplary status during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are talking of an administration that inaugurated State Emergency Medical Treatment Committee to enhance the Ambulance and Emergency Service delivery, conducted training for health workers on comprehensive screening for newborns to tackle sickle cell disease and secured, for the first time in 45 years, full accreditation and upgrade of the Ogun State Schools of Nursing and Midwifery to collegiate status. We are talking about an administration that targeted 1.4m school-age children as change agents, promoted partnerships across the three tiers of the health sector, introduced free Covid-19 rapid testing of residents in health facilities, inaugurated Sexual Therapy and Assaults Referral Center in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), the Family Planning Center at the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, and distributed over 25 Tricycle Ambulances to rural areas.

The administration upgraded and increased the fleet of Ogun State Ambulance and Emergency Services from four vehicles inherited to 26 in two years, introduced 24-hours Ambulance and Emergency Services across the 20 LGAs, carried out free eye surgeries, contained cholera outbreaks, distributed 3.7m insecticide treated nets, commissioned two molecular laboratories to boost the State’s testing capacity for COVID-19 and other epidemiological diseases, and contained COVID-19 with less low fatalities. Have you been to the Clinical Skills Development Laboratory at the School of Midwifery, Abeokuta? It is the work of the same government that increased the ambulance fleet from 6 to 30 to cater for emergencies, distributed ultrasound machines to facilities across the state, commenced 24-hour ambulance service, inoculated students against cervical cancer and established Ambulance Points in all the nine federal constituencies.

With Abiodun’s strategic foresight, Ogun can look towards the future with hope. Long before the FG removed subsidy on fuel, Abiodun initiated CNG-run vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles in the state. Long before the economic downturn that attended subsidy removal came, he floated the Ogun-Kebbi Joint Commission on rice production. Ogun, as attested to by multiple awards, including:

Best State in ICT Penetration and Adoption by the National Council on Communication and Digital Economy
Best State in ICT Infrastructure Development also by the National Council on Communication and Digital Economy
Best State Governor with the Most Improved State in Security Infrastructure by Business Day Newspaper
Best Governor in Education by the National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria
Best Governor in Agriculture by the Nigerian Agriculture Awards
Best Governor in Housing Delivery by the Nigerian Housing Awards
Best State Governor with the Most Improved State in Agriculture and Economic Empowerment by Business Day Newspaper

Outstanding Political Brand Personality of the Year by Marketing Edge Summit and Awards

Best Governor in Infrastructure in the South West by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) B zone.

Best Governor in Industrial Revolution at the Award of Excellence in Public Service by President Muhammadu Buhari

2023 “Governor of the Year” Award by Sun Newspapers

2023 “Man of the Year” Award by Silverbird Television and the Daily Independent Governor of the Year award 2023 in Nigeria’s ICT hub. The technology-driven state is poised for greater heights. That is the story of the state under Dapo Abiodun.

Akinmade is Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Governor of Ogun State.