Journalists Call for Renaming of CUSTECH in Honor of Former Governor Yahaya Bello
Kogi Journalists Push for Recognition of Bello’s Educational Legacy
The Kogi Central Journalists’ Guild has made a formal appeal to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to rename the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) after former governor Yahaya Adoza Bello. This proposal comes as recognition of Bello’s transformative impact on education and development in Kogi State.
Unprecedented Educational Reforms
In an official statement signed by National Chairman Alhaji Muhammad Tijani Abdulsalam and Secretary Mr. Ozumi Abdul, the Guild highlighted Bello’s comprehensive overhaul of Kogi’s education system. When Bello assumed office in 2016, the sector was in significant disarray, prompting his administration to convene a landmark Education Summit in 2018.
This summit produced a comprehensive education roadmap that led to the enactment of the 2020 Education Law. The reforms included:
- Allocating over 30% of the state budget to education annually from 2021
- Reducing out-of-school children from 550,000 to under 87,000 by 2019
- Renovating 833 classrooms while constructing 1,800 new blocks
- Establishing model science schools across the state
Free Education and Exam Support
The former governor’s administration implemented free education in public schools from primary through secondary levels. Additionally, Bello’s government covered examination fees for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB for all qualifying students. These measures resulted in measurable improvements in student performance across national examinations.
Establishment of Dual Universities
The journalists emphasized Bello’s unique achievement as the only Kogi governor to establish two state universities:
- Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara (2021)
- Kogi State University, Kabba (2023)
“These institutions represent Bello’s vision for science and technological advancement in Kogi State,” the statement noted.
The Case for Renaming
The Guild argues that renaming CUSTECH as the Yahaya Adoza Bello University of Science and Technology would:
- Honor his contributions to educational development
- Immortalize his legacy of unity and governance
- Recognize his role in shaping modern Kogi State
“Governor Ododo has both a moral and historical obligation to acknowledge the architect of Kogi’s educational transformation,” the journalists stated.
Formal Request in Progress
The Guild has constituted a seven-member committee to formally present this request to Governor Ododo at the Lugard House in Lokoja. This move aims to ensure proper recognition of Bello’s achievements before they fade from public memory.
The statement concluded: “This renaming would serve as a fitting tribute to a leader who redefined governance in Kogi State and gave our educational system new life.”
Credit: Original reporting by Arewa Agenda