2027: Prof Wale Sulaiman declares for governorship, promises free education, poverty alleviation

As Kwara State gradually prepares for the 2027 election cycle, a governorship aspirant, Professor Wale Sulaiman, has pledged to introduce free primary and secondary school education across the state if elected

He described education as the most effective pathway for tackling poverty and expanding opportunities for young people.

Sulaiman, an accomplished neurosurgeon, physician executive, researcher and entrepreneur, made the declaration during a media parley with journalists in Ilorin on Saturday.

The engagement, held in the spirit of the Ramadan and Lent seasons, also provided a platform for the aspirant to outline his development priorities and governance philosophy ahead of the next political transition in the state.

Speaking during the session, Sulaiman emphasized that education would occupy a central place in his development agenda, stressing that access to quality learning opportunities can change the trajectory of individuals and communities.

“We must go back to the critical importance of education. It was because of education opportunity that I was able to go to medical school abroad. I dream of a Kwara where the child of nobody can become somebody. We must create a state for upward mobility for the people.”

He explained that making education accessible to every child in the state would not only uplift families but also build a stronger and more productive society.

“I always tell people that by God’s grace, I believe in free education at the primary and secondary school levels. It’s not a hard thing to do. Once someone has earned their educational qualifications, they are automatically prepared for future opportunities.”

The governorship hopeful added that restoring free basic education would help reposition Kwara’s human capital development and reduce the number of out-of-school children.

“By God’s grace, primary and secondary school education will become free like it used to be in the past. Education is the easiest way to fight and get out of poverty.”

Sulaiman noted that education reform would be part of a broader economic development strategy aimed at creating jobs and improving the living conditions of citizens across the sixteen local government areas of the state.

“If I could sum up the priorities that we are going to focus on in the state, it has to be about jobs creation for the teeming youths in the government and private sectors including agriculture, tourism, and international partnerships, create economic opportunities for the people.”

He stressed that political leadership should be based on competence and experience rather than financial influence, noting that governance requires proven capacity and preparation.

“The requirements, in my opinion, must be rigorous. We are not going to hire a CEO to run your company without having the requirements. They must be able to demonstrate that they are prepared. I believe that I have the prerequisite experience in terms of leadership management, administration and international exposure to tackle the problems.”

Sulaiman also acknowledged the efforts of the current administration in Kwara State, saying that the government has made commendable progress in addressing developmental challenges.

“In the state, the governor is doing a fantastic job in trying to tackle all these issues. But as you know, some of these issues can not be tackled within eight years. It is important to have continuity and people that have the capacity, capability, focus and experience to continue that legacy.”

He further noted that the challenges facing the state span several sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure and security, requiring visionary leadership to sustain development efforts.

“The challenges we have are very enormous. It’s in education, healthcare, infrastructure, security and many others. As we continue to govern and begin to prepare for the next phase of governance, we need to look at people in Kwara State that have the administrative leadership management, dedication and respect, both nationally and internationally to tackle these problems head-on.”

The aspirant also linked improved education and economic opportunities to enhanced security, stressing that empowering young people would help address the root causes of crime and instability.

“When we create opportunities, we tackle the root causes of insecurity. I am very confident and comfortable in the excellent job of the ruling APC across levels.”

Sulaiman also expressed support for the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is gradually repositioning Nigeria’s economy.

“There’s no alternative. The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is gaining grounds. We are beginning to see the international indices. The World Bank even has commended the leadership of the president as the economic is taking a positive direction.”

He encouraged students and youths in Kwara to take advantage of federal initiatives such as the student loan programme designed to expand access to tertiary education.

“We need to support the students loan initiative. We need to encourage our state, youths, students to tap into that and all other Renewed Hope initiatives are being fully implemented in Kwara State.”

Sulaiman concluded by commending the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his leadership and contributions to the development of the state.

“I commend the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for the job well done. May Almighty Allah continue to bless and guide him. We’ll all have a good cause to smile at the end of his administration.”