When the Honourable Commissioner for Education in Nasarawa State, Dr. John W. D. Mama, recently embarked on a tour of three major tertiary institutions, it signalled a renewed direction, an unmistakable demonstration of the government’s resolve to advance educational reforms from policy to implementation.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Alh. Sani Bala, along with key Directors of the Ministry of Education, the Commissioner visited Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Lafia, the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, and the College of Education, Akwanga. The delegation’s mission was clear: to listen, engage, and chart a progressive path forward.
A Tour Rooted in Purpose and Reform
Management teams and staff were encouraged to speak openly about institutional realities—ranging from operational constraints to program-specific needs.
The discussions identified key areas such as infrastructure renewal, modern teaching aids, staff development, student welfare, curriculum enhancement, and overall institutional sustainability. Stakeholders described the visit as one filled with transparency, seriousness of purpose, and a sincere readiness for follow-through.
A Commissioner’s Vision: Partnership, Performance, and Progress
Dr. Mama used the opportunity to articulate his guiding principles for tertiary education in the state, collaboration, accountability, and academic excellence.
The Commissioner emphasized his determination to strengthen working relationships with all heads of tertiary institutions and to support their efforts through improved coordination, quality assurance mechanisms, and timely government interventions.
A Platform for Institutional Voices
The visit also provided an important forum for institutional leaders to present their priority needs and concrete recommendations.
These included urgent infrastructural improvements, digital learning tools, capacity-building programmes, enhanced security architecture, and innovations to boost academic delivery.
This participatory approach marks a shift toward inclusive and collaborative governance, ensuring that decisions on education reforms reflect the realities on the ground.
Supporting the Governor’s Broader Vision
The visitation clearly aligns with Governor Abdullahi Sule’s agenda of transforming Nasarawa’s education sector into a modern, technology, driven, and student-centered ecosystem.
With the Commissioner, Permanent Secretary Alh. Sani Bala, and the ministry’s Directors working closely with institutions, stakeholders say this engagement represents a decisive stride forward.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Tertiary Education
The Commissioner’s recent strategic outreach has set a new tone across Nasarawa’s tertiary institutions, one anchored on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and measurable improvement.
As feedback from the visits is consolidated, optimism grows that these reforms will translate into stronger institutions, better quality education, and improved outcomes for thousands of students across the state.
For staff, administrators, and learners, the message is unmistakable: Nasarawa State is ushering in a new era of educational excellence, one built on action, collaboration, and a firm commitment to progress.
