ON THE OCCASION OF MY FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN OFFICE

Today marks one year since I had the honour of being appointed as Chairman of the Kwara State Education Trust Fund a role that has been both humbling and profoundly rewarding.

Over the past twelve months, our focus has been clear: to build a strong, transparent, and forward-looking institution capable of sustainably financing quality education across Kwara State. Working closely with my colleagues on the Board, the Secretariat, and key stakeholders, we have taken deliberate steps to ensure the Fund’s work is grounded in strategy, structure, and service.

Among our key achievements this first year is the development of the Five-Year Education Development and Sustainability Agenda, which now serves as the Fund’s strategic framework. This agenda sets out clear priorities and measurable outcomes that align with His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s education reform vision.

We also established a Strategic Implementation Committee and brought on national and international consultants  to strengthen our governance, financial management systems, and donor engagement frameworks.

Beyond the institutional groundwork, we have deepened collaboration with education stakeholders  from the House of Assembly, Ministry of Education, SUBEB, and TESCOM, to KwaraLEARN and development partners  ensuring that the Fund operates as a trusted bridge between government, the private sector, and the community.

As I move into my second year in office, our focus turns from foundation to acceleration implementing the strategic agenda, expanding our fundraising base, launching school improvement initiatives, and scaling scholarship and teacher-support programmes that directly impact learners across the state.

I remain profoundly grateful to His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his confidence and visionary leadership; to my colleagues on the Board for their wisdom and dedication; to our Secretariat led by the Executive Secretary for their professionalism; and to every partner and citizen who continues to believe in our mission.

Our journey is far from complete, but our direction is clear – we will continue to invest in systems, people, and partnerships that guarantee a brighter, better educated future for every child in Kwara State.

Col. Abdulwahab Ademola Lawal (PhD, rtd), Chairman, Board of Trustees, Kwara State Education Trust Fund (KwaraETF)