EXTRA: Edward Onoja, Kogi deputy gov, goes back to school

Edward Onoja, deputy governor of Kogi state, says he has enrolled for a master’s degree in peace and conflict studies at the Federal University, Lokoja. 

Onoja, who disclosed this via his social media handles, said he started classes on Monday.

The deputy governor said his decision to go back to school was informed by the world’s need for “experts to keep up with the multifaceted conflicts”.

He added that he hopes to bag a doctor of philosophy (PhD) by 2023.

“Am back to school for a Masters in Conflict and Peace studies, 2020 academic session, targeting a PhD in 2023,” Onoja wrote.

“Earlier today, I resumed class at Federal University Lokoja, for my Masters Degree in Conflict and Peace Studies (MCPS), for the 2020 set.

“Global peace and Development is the new quest the world over. Needing experts to keep up with the multifaceted conflicts. I desire to be one of such experts in years to come. I believe in 4-5 years I should hold a PhD in this all important sector. The journey began today.”

Onoja, 45, studied geology and mining at the University of Jos and graduated in 1999.

He was hitherto the chief of staff to Yahaya Bello, the state governor, but was later nominated deputy governor following the sack of Simon Achuba by the state assembly.

Bello later picked Onoja as his running mate in the 2019 governorship election in the state.

However, the state high court on February 27 nullified the impeachment of Achuba and ruled that the nomination and swearing-in of Onoja violated due process.