Eniola moves to lay solid foundation for Kogi State University 

The newly established Kogi State University, Kabba is perhaps one of the things the former governor of the state, Alhaji Yahya Bello will long be remembered for, given that it’s the first full fledged higher institution of learning to be sited in the Kogi West.

For Professor Kehinde Eniola, the pioneer vice chancellor of the university, laying a solid foundation for the institution is a mission he must not fail to achieve; but the good thing is that he’s eminently qualified to achieve it, a fine, first rate scholar with a track record of solid intellect and a tinge of administrative ingenuity.

Eniola has within a short space of time managed to traverse the delicate terrain and challenges to lay the foundation for the takeoff of the university. Faculties have been staffed with teachers, and other academic infrastructure such as well stocked modest library and other necessary appurtenances for the smooth running of the institution are now in place, though a lot still need to be done.

The challenge imposed by lack of hostels and high cost of transportation from Kabba town to the university campus is what is giving the management of the institution much headache.

Kogi State University

Perhaps conscious of the hardships students are going through at this teething period in the life of the university, the vice chancellor and the principal officials are said to be working round the clock to reduce the stress of students.

Professor Eniola hinted that he’s already negotiating with the transporters to reduce fare on the short run, but his long time plan, which he unfolded to Business Hallmark is to call on wealthy indigenes of Kogi to invest in the school by way of mini mass transit to convey the students to and fro the campus.
If there’s anything going well for the vice chancellor, it’s perhaps the quality of his principal officials are university teachers and administrators with nuanced experiences.

The school started with an initial 1200 students across different faculties , according him more candidate are still applying for various courses in the institution but he stressed that the university will not exceed the target approved by the NUC.

Eniola said that he is working very hard with his management team to make the ivory tower the best in academic excellence in Nigeria and beyond.

He said that the institution is determined from the beginning to raise students that would be nationally and globally recognize, in their various fields of study, pointed out that the institution will be digital base.

According to the VC, the management is working with some partners to provide an affordable accommodation for the students, assuring that their security on campus is of utmost concern to the University authority.

He commended Governor Yahaya Bello for putting every necessary requirements in place to ensure the smooth take off of the institution.

There are still infrastructural challenges in the university, massive construction works are going on in the campus, but the most pressing challenge for students is the exorbitant charge being charged by landlords.

Before the institution was established, a room apartment in the ancient, sleepy town went for about between ₦30000 to ₦400 00 but now students complain of having to pay around₦100000, for the same one room apartment.

The same problem is replicated in transportation. To access the campus from Kabba town, a distance of few kilometres, motorcycle operators charge them ₦1000, ” this has been a huge challenge to us “,says a student who simply identified himself as Tobi. Sources say Professor Eniola has waded in to convince cycle operators to reduce fares with a view to reaching appropriate pricing that will alleviate the suffering of the students.

With reports from Bamike Bamidele