Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has outlined plans to upgrade the state’s Cooperative College so it can offer National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes, as his administration seeks to expand the professional and financial capacity of cooperative societies.
Speaking at the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives celebration in Ijebu-Ode, Abiodun said work was being prepared to improve the institution’s facilities and academic capabilities. The event was organized by the Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited in partnership with the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives.
The governor argued that cooperatives require skilled administrators who can manage funds, evaluate risk, maintain accurate records and safeguard members’ contributions. The proposed qualifications are intended to provide a stronger training route for personnel in the sector, although the announcement did not establish that the college had already received authority to award the degrees.
Abiodun said the state had provided more than ₦500 million in revolving loans through the cooperative federation. He also cited another ₦500 million under the Oko ‘Owo’ Irinse Dapo Soft Loan Initiative, which supports artisans, traders and small businesses in the state’s 20 local government areas. Taken together, the programmes account for more than ₦1 billion in financing announced by the administration.
The governor promised to make land available for cooperative ventures in agriculture and housing, saying pooled investment could improve food production, widen access to homes and support businesses that individual members might not be able to establish alone. He urged beneficiaries to maintain financial discipline and transparent management.
Abiodun also discussed broader investment prospects in Ogun East, pointing to reported crude oil discoveries in Ogun Waterside, Ijebu North-East and Odogbolu and the proposed Ogun Deep Seaport as possible sources of future commercial activity and jobs. These projects were presented as prospective opportunities, not completed developments.
Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives Ademola Balogun said the state had approximately 14,700 registered cooperative organizations. He described them as platforms for enterprise, collective savings and community cooperation, and asked recipients of revolving loans to put the funds to productive use.
Federation president Wasiu Olaleye welcomed the credit support and renewed the call to upgrade the college at Shasha, Iperu-Remo, to deliver ND and HND courses. He said modern cooperative management required specialized training. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, represented by aide Victor Oyegoke, also commended the state’s approach and highlighted federal engagement with cooperative societies.
The proposed college upgrade and lending schemes will be judged by accreditation progress, loan repayment performance and the extent to which beneficiaries are able to build durable businesses.
