The Kogi Central Journalists’ Guild has urged Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to immortalize former Governor Yahaya Bello by renaming the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, in his honour.
In a press statement signed by the Guild’s National Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Tijani Abdulsalam, and Secretary, Mr. Ozumi Abdul, the group said the move would serve as a lasting tribute to a leader who transformed Kogi’s education sector and repositioned the state on the path of development.
“This is more than a name change,” the Guild stated. “It is a symbolic recognition of vision, courage, and bold reforms that changed the face of education in Kogi State.”
Before Bello took office in 2016, the group noted, the state’s education system was in decline. But through strategic interventions—including the landmark 2018 Education Summit and the 2020 Education Law—his administration built a framework that expanded access, improved quality, and delivered tangible results.
Abdsalam reeled out his standout achievements to include Budgetary allocation to education increased to over 30% between 2021 and 2023, surpassing global benchmarks, Out-of-school children dropped drastically—from over 550,000 to fewer than 87,000, Over 833 classrooms were renovated and 1,800 new classroom blocks built, Free education was introduced across public schools, with WAEC, NECO, and JAMB fees fully covered by the government and Two state-owned universities established under his tenure: CUSTECH, Osara (2021) and Kogi State University, Kabba (2023).
The Guild emphasized that Bello remains the only governor in Kogi’s history to create two functional universities during a single administration—a feat they say reflects his long-term vision for inclusive development through education.
“We believe Governor Ododo, who is a product of the same leadership ecosystem, will do the right thing,” the Guild noted. “Renaming CUSTECH is not only fitting—it is deserved.”
In keeping with their appeal, the Guild announced the formation of a seven-member committee that will formally present their recommendation to the governor at the Lugard House in Lokoja.
“The world honours its reformers. Nigeria should do the same. Yahaya Bello gave Kogi a blueprint. It is only just that one of his most enduring legacies bears his name,” the statement concluded.