The Kogi State government will pay compensation to people living within the area where the Federal University is expected to take off in Lokoja, Governor Idris Wada said yesterday. The governor said this when Minister of Education Professor Ruqqayah Rufai Ahmed who visited the state to inspect work at the temporary site of the university, called on him.

"I assure you that we will do everything possible to make sure that the university takes off on schedule. The issue of compensation has been addressed to an advanced stage, but the delay is on our side due to challenges in terms of cash flow. As soon as possible, we will make the necessary payment to make sure that the problem is tackled," he said.

He said the priority of his administration is education, and that the government will do everything possible to accelerate take off of the university.

He commended the minister for bringing back the lost glory in education, calling on wealthy individuals to build more houses to ease hostel problem.

Earlier, the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqqayatu Rufai Ahmed, said they were in the state to access the level of work done and the possibility of ensuring that academic activities begin this year.

She commended the governor for providing some facilities at the site.