Nigeria releases N3.5 billion to Federal University, Lokoja

The new Federal University in Lokoja, Kogi State has witnessed its first matriculation on Monday.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Education, Ms Rukayyatu Rufa’i, disclosed that the Federal Government has released N3.5 billion for the take-off of the Federal University, noting that, N1.5 billion was for the provision of facilities at the temporary campus, while N2 billion would go into the development of the permanent’s site.

Rufa’i however hinted that the President had signed into law the bill legalising the nine recently established Federal Universities.

The Vice Chancellor, Abdulmumuni Rafindadi, in his welcome address spoke on zero tolerance to examination malpractice, cultism and other social vices in the institution, emphasising that anybody caught would see the wrath of the law.

However, Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi,had earlier assured of the state’s readiness to take its rightful place in education with the ongoing restructuring in the sector.

Mr. Awoniyi urged the new university to keep supporting the state, saying that government intends to use the new institution as a research centre for the

transformation and development of the state.

A total of 443 students in three faculties were matriculated at the ceremony.