Gov. Bello and heads of higher institutions after a closed door meeting over the lingering strike by teachers at Government House, Lokoja on Monday. Standing in the middle is Gov. Yahaya Bello. On his left is his Deputy, Elder Simon Achuba; the Acting Head of Service, Mrs Kehinde Lawal; and the Vice Chancellor, Kogi state University, Professor M.S Abdulkadir

The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has directed the Vice Chancellor of the Kogi State University, Anyigba, to reopen the school immediately after three months industrial action by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the institution.

Governor Bello said having met the major demands of the lecturers, they are expected to return to classes. He said his government will continue to place premium attention to education, urging the different heads of tertiary institutions in the State to deepen the culture of patriotism and hard work among their staff members.

According to the Governor, the Treasury Single Account will soon come afloat in the State, stating that public accountability will remain the hallmark of his administration.

He said having paid six months salaries in just six months into his tenure, his government should be trusted by the lecturers.

The Governor promised to look into cases of over-taxation of lecturers in the past, saying cases of unjust taxation will be redressed stating that the approval on subject matter which was handed over to him was for tax waiver.

He directed full scale audit of all tertiary institutions in the State.

Responding, the heads of  the tertiary institutions thanked the Governor for paying four months salary arrears owed by the previous administration.

They said the gesture is a signature of  the Governor’s commitment to tertiary education in the State.