Gombe

Beneficiaries of the Girls’ Scholarship Programme in Gombe State have commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his sustained commitment to improving girl-child education through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project. The commendation followed the ongoing distribution of ATM cards to 12,101 female students across public schools in the state, marking the first phase of the AGILE scholarship scheme. This was contained in a statement issued by the State Ministry of Education after the Commissioner for Education, Professor Aishatu Umar Maigari, led a monitoring team to assess the exercise in selected schools. Related: Gombe Government Disburses ₦726 Million Scholarships to 12,101 Female Students Professor Maigari, who also chairs the AGILE Project Steering Committee, said the initiative is part of Governor Yahaya’s deliberate effort to bridge educational gaps and empower adolescent girls to stay in school through financial support. “Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya remains deeply concerned about the welfare of the younger generation, particularly adolescent girls who are our future leaders,” she said. “This scholarship will boost their confidence and encourage them to complete their education.” Earlier, the Project Coordinator of the AGILE Project, Dr. Amina Haruna Abdul, explained that the distribution exercise followed the official flag-off of the scheme by the state government, adding that all beneficiaries across public schools would be reached in due course. The monitoring team also included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Donor Partners, Dr. Ishiyaku Ibrahim Babayo, and the Director of School Services, Yusuf Muhammad. Members of the School-Based Management Committees (SBMC), principals, and students applauded the government’s efforts, describing the scholarship as a historic milestone for girl-child education in Gombe State. They lauded Governor Yahaya for investing in education and promoting policies that empower young girls academically and financially.

The Gombe State Government has launched the disbursement of ₦726 million in scholarships to 12,101 female students across junior and senior secondary schools in the state, under the 2024/2025 academic session. The initiative, implemented through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) — a World Bank–assisted project — aims to boost girls’ access to education, improve learning conditions, and enhance school infrastructure across Gombe State. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on Friday, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, described the initiative as a milestone in Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to inclusive and quality education. Read Also: Gombe to Partner with Chinese Firm on Teacher Exchange, Vocational Training “Experience has shown that when you care for the girl child, you are also caring for the family, the community, and the nation,” Jatau stated. “This investment in our girls is an investment in the future of Gombe State.” According to him, the state government also disbursed School Improvement Grants (SIG) to 537 public secondary schools across the 11 local government areas to improve infrastructure, safety, and learning standards. The grants were categorized based on school population, with each school receiving between ₦23.1 million and ₦92.4 million. Dr. Jatau commended the World Bank, the AGILE State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), and the Ministry of Education for their efforts in ensuring the success of the project. He urged School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper maintenance of facilities. In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari, described the programme as a landmark in Governor Yahaya’s educational reforms. She said the initiative reflects the government’s vision of inclusion, equity, and sustainability in the education sector. “Through Your Excellency’s leadership, Gombe has domesticated and successfully implemented the AGILE project to reach thousands of girls while revitalising community participation in school governance,” Maigari said. She also congratulated the scholarship beneficiaries, urging them to remain focused and make the most of the opportunity. The AGILE Project Coordinator, Dr. Amina Haruna Abdul, explained that the scholarship programme was designed to remove financial barriers that prevent girls from completing their secondary education. She said each beneficiary would receive ₦50,000 per academic session, starting with ₦40,000 for school materials and uniforms, and subsequent payments of ₦10,000 for other learning expenses. “This financial support may not cover all costs, but it will significantly ease the burden on parents who are eager to educate their daughters despite economic hardship,” Dr. Abdul stated. According to her, the scheme covers all 11 local government areas, with the first batch of beneficiaries already validated and paid, while the second batch awaits confirmation. The AGILE project, she added, is not only a response to economic hardship but also a long-term strategy to increase school enrollment, improve retention rates, and ensure more girls complete secondary education in Gombe State.

Gombe State Government has expressed readiness to partner with Jiangsu Linte Network Technology Co. Ltd of the Republic of China in teacher knowledge exchange and vocational training programmes. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Saidu Bappa Malala, Special Assistant (Media) to the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Aishatu Umar Maigari. According to the statement, Prof. Maigari disclosed this while receiving the Chairman and management team of the company in her office. She noted that the state government is always open to partnerships that will drive development and enhance capacity building for its citizens. The Commissioner highlighted that Gombe State is blessed with universities offering exceptional courses to equip the younger generation with relevant skills and knowledge. She also mentioned that the Muhammadu Buhari Mega Industrial Park, established by the state government, was designed to create job opportunities, foster skills acquisition, and attract investments under the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. Read Also,: Unlike Others, Ganduje Completed All Projects Before His Exit Prof. Maigari assured the delegation of the state government’s readiness for any partnership that would bring further development and strengthen bilateral relations. Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Xue Kui, made a presentation on opportunities through clinical undergraduate and anaesthesiology education programmes at Jiangsu Medical University in China. He explained that the university offers professional courses in health, education, and other humanities—particularly to help developing countries build strong indigenous expertise in various fields. Mr. Xue Kui also commended the developmental strides of the Gombe State Government, describing its projects as people-oriented. The delegation later visited Gombe State University to assess the institution’s academic offerings and facilities.

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere (FUK), Professor Umaru Pate, has raised alarm over the potential loss of more than 92 million jobs globally within the next five years due to the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. Speaking during the university’s combined 6th to 9th convocation ceremony, Professor Pate noted that while new technologies are poised to create opportunities, only individuals equipped with the right digital and cognitive skills will benefit. “Latest global reports suggest that in the next five years, over 92 million jobs will disappear while 120 million new ones will emerge, courtesy of the Internet of Things, robotics, big data, and the evolution of Artificial Intelligence,” he said. “We need new mindsets, new skills, and enhanced cognitive abilities to remain relevant or risk being left behind.” Read Also: Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Appointed Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano He warned that Nigeria can no longer afford to continue preparing graduates for jobs that are becoming obsolete. According to him, universities must shift towards AI-driven, future-oriented teaching models. “Oil is no longer the global power resource, it is now knowledge and innovation. Our universities must lead this transition and drive national progress,” the VC stated. Professor Pate emphasized that innovation thrives only in environments that promote research, critical thinking, well-equipped laboratories, and strong market linkages. “Innovation does not emerge in a vacuum,” he said. He called for sustained investment in youth education, stressing that the development of Nigeria hinges on preparing young people to tackle modern challenges such as poverty, crime, corruption, and climate change through education. The Vice Chancellor also urged the graduating students to embrace digital learning and develop strong analytical skills. “Digital literacy and critical thinking are essential tools for survival and success in today’s fast-changing world,” he added. He acknowledged the Coordinating Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for delivering a pre-convocation lecture titled “Medical Science: Past, Present and Future,” which he said would guide the development of the university’s upcoming medical college curriculum. Professor Pate also appreciated the federal government’s continued support, noting key capital projects recently funded at the institution, including N4 billion for a new Senate Building, N1.3 billion for a perimeter fence, hostel construction, and equipping of science laboratories. A total of 6,870 students graduated during the convocation. Among them, 91 received First Class degrees, 1,899 earned Second Class Upper, 3,917 bagged Second Class Lower, 960 graduated with Third Class, and three students earned a Pass. From the School of Postgraduate Studies, 16 students were awarded PhDs, 492 completed Master’s programs, and 76 obtained Postgraduate Diplomas. The university also conferred Honorary Doctorate Degrees on five distinguished Nigerians: Ambassador Lawrence Okolio Chikezie Agubuzu, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, and Dr. Kole Shettima.