This was disclosed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, in a statement titled, ‘Why we’re setting up Kwara Education Trust Fund: AbdulRazaq’.

AbdulRazaq said. “Our administration recognises the limitations of government to shoulder the burden of infrastructural development in all local government areas of the state. That is why we have sent Kwara State Education Trust Fund Bill to the House of Assembly. When passed into law, it will ensure contributions to schools. The law will empower the state government to partner with philanthropists, foundations and corporate bodies to raise money and help support strengthening educational infrastructure in the state. Let me commend Lateef Fagbemi’s effort in this community. This is a huge development. What else can you give to your community better than solid education? We are very grateful for this. You are not just the pride of the community, you’re an ambassador of the state. We appreciate your efforts,”

The 17 students died in an auto accident when their Toyota Haice bus had head-on collision with a DAF Articulated Truck. The accident occurred at about 12.35 a.m. on Thursday, August 22 at Bacita junction in Kwara.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Governor also commiserated with the parents and families of the students and prayed God to avert such calamity in future.

The statement reads “We, however, believe that we can avoid this calamity in the future. We reiterate our calls on the drivers to always check their speed, respect other road users, and put their vehicles in the best condition. Most accidents occur because our drivers often fail these three basic tests of safe driving. Besides, we call on our tertiary institutions, which still require students to travel long distance for their post-UTME examination to please consider holding such test online to avert the necessity of travelling. This will not only reduce travelling and attendant risks, but also encourage students to embrace and excel in computer literacy, a sine-qua-non for success in the 21st century”.